Initiated the system of daily 10:00 am meetings in my core team. This meeting gave a running start to the Lt. Governor’s office. Our small unit consisted of G. Theva Neethi Dhas, Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; G.Srinivas, Additional Secretary; R.Sridharan Private Secretary; Dr. Amrita Bahl, Officer on Special Duty (OSD); Mrs. Asha Gupta, Comptroller Raj Nivas. J.Kumaran, Public Relations Officer; and Kartikeyan, Aide-de-camp (ADC) were gradually coopted.
As I walked in for the first meeting into my office, I saw the officers standing near the formal LG’s desk. It had a stately chair, draped in maroon velvet with the national emblem embossed, reiterating the significance of the occupant and his responsibility towards the nation. I requested the officers to come towards the conference table at the east end of the office. This rectangular table had twelve chairs around. It gave a setting for discussions. The officers hesitatingly came and sat around it with a bit of wonder in their eyes, reflecting – ‘Now what? Will there be another SWOT like the one the senior officers had taken before the oath-taking?’
There was no SWOT. On the contrary, it was about knowing each other. I told them I believe in trusting relationships and delegation. And that we are to work as an effective team. I assured them of my total accountability for all my decisions. I will expect confidentiality and fearless advice in return.
THE INSIDERS
Since that day, our daily 10:00 am meetings took place around the conference table. The stately formal table was used sparingly, either for special conferences or for children on memorable occasions, as a photo opportunity for them to aspire to be the Lt. Governor one day. The Team members took time to warm up to a non-hierarchical setting. I saw them gradually increase their contributions, add value to the group, and emerge as a ‘Think Tank’.
All core members had sufficient experience working in the Puducherry Administration and were aware of the challenges in governance. They knew Puducherry like the back of their hand. They were the insiders. We began our meetings with a review of the previous day, daily happenings coming to notice, policy issues surfacing, news that has appeared in the newspapers, and any other development. The PRO posted all relevant news clips in the WhatsApp group and made a group email for the benefit of public officials as a daily ‘GONG’. Officers had access to all essential news clips drawn from Puducherry newspapers. Including a link to the 8:00 am All India Radio news and the main news of the Press Information Bureau of the Central Government.
10 AM MEETING
The media for us was a watchdog. We went through the letters to the editor too. Everything mattered. Every time we responded to all such reporting, it invigorated the social conscience. People knew we were taking cognisance of relevant news reports. The journalists were aware that we would go back to the source of the issues. The reporters felt acknowledged when their news stories led to corrections. They felt valued.
Misreporting was always sent a rejoinder. Matters reported led to personal field visits and checks. We occasionally invited the concerned officer mentioned to get a firsthand understanding of the matter. The officer’s presence was to nudge the departments to perform, amend and remain vigilant. We daily inched forward towards improving internal alignment within the departments. All were wary of the 10:00 am meetings, minuted and circulated. The 10:00 am meeting integrated Raj Nivas with the three outlying regions of Puducherry, namely Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.
It helped us strengthen internal coordination to complete the set targets in the Swachh Bharat movement to stop open defecation, increase housing construction for the poor, and promote digitisation. The enhanced internal coordination produced qualitative and quantitative outcomes. The 10:00 Am Team planned and kept to the calendar of activities for Raj Nivas. We all looked forward to observing festivals and conducting events. The Chief Secretary later transferred did not underpin any follow-up; instead, showed callousness. Nor did the ministers of the day display interest, despite repeated requests to collaborate. But they were kept in the loop. Lack of interest from the political establishment did not deter Team Raj Nivas from remaining steadfast.
‘TEAM RAJ NIVAS’ was a name we gave ourselves. Each member worked with utmost dedication and due diligence. We, the members, knew the day’s priorities, the plan for the day next, and the days ahead. All in tandem. All in direct communication within and outside. All together for a higher purpose – ‘Prosperous Puducherry.’
The leadership that infuses energy into the Team empowers them to accomplish the most.
