Achuthanandan made chief of administrative reforms panel

Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala chief minister V.S. Achuthanandan, who appeared desperate for a post of some significance ever since the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF’s) victory in May, was on Wednesday appointed chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission.

The 92-year-old veteran will have cabinet rank. The panel has two other members: Neela Gangadharan and C.P. Nair, both former chief secretaries of the state. Both of them will hold the rank of chief secretary.

The state government had earlier passed legislation to ensure that the new post for Achuthanandan would not debar him from continuing to be a member of the state assembly.

This is the fourth administrative reforms committee in the state. The committee need not directly report to the chief minister, and its role is to analyse and suggest changes to the administration of the state government.

The members of the commission will be allowed perks such as residences and official vehicles.

The opposition United Democratic Front had argued that the creation of such a post was tantamount to wasting government money.

However, the appointment brings the curtains down on the question whether or not the Pinarayi Vijayan government would give Achuthanandan an important post.

During the swearing in of the Left Democratic Front government in May, Achuthanandan had caused a flutter when he handed a note to Communist Party of India general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, reportedly asking for a suitable post for himself.

The posting brings some relief to Achuthanandan whose spot has been in flux after the party overlooked him for the post of chief minister when LDF won the assembly election in May with a clear majority.