Mysuru: Probably for the first time in the State, Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, who usually meets the top brass of IAS, IPS and IFS cadre and discuss administrative matters, participated at an interaction with probationary KAS Officers and Dy.SPs in city this morning.

It was a gathering of 194 probationary KAS Officers who are undergoing training at Administrative Training Institute (ATI) and 36 probationary Dy.SPs at Karnataka Police Academy. After addressing the gathering, Siddharamaiah took a volley of questions where he spelt out his government’s achievements.

Of the 194 KAS officers, 110 are Tahsildars, 19 are Executive Officers, 58 are Assistant Commissioners and 7 are Backward Class and Minority Officers. Of them, 63 are women, 50 Engineers, 3 MBBS degree holders and 7 are Ph.D holders. Of the 36 Dy.SPs, there are 8 women, one MBBS degree holder, one Veterinary Sciences graduate and 14 Engineers.

Impressed by the number of highly qualified men and women who are entering government services, the CM said that with the interaction programme with probationers, the government is setting a new example. “The interaction programme has been organised following the suggestion of Kempaiah, the Advisor to the Home Minister. Since 2013, we have taken various measures to streamline recruitment and eradicate corruption in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC),” he said.

Following severe complaints of corruption, question paper leak, demands for money for plum postings and favouritism during the viva examination, the government has taken a series of steps including formation of a reforms commission to clean up the KPSC. “Earlier over 50 candidates would be interviewed per day and now, after reforms, only 9 to 10 candidates are interviewed per day,” the Chief Minister said.

Stressing on common man and common sense, the CM narrated an incident from his college days. “While I barely managed to pass my law degree, my friend, a bookworm, secured first rank. Later, I became a successful lawyer with my common sense and wit while my bookworm friend could not succeed in legal profession though he was a rank holder,” he said, leaving the probationary officers in splits.

He told the officers to have humanity first while dealing with people, especially people who are deprived of basic human rights. “Your attitude and approach will minimise their agony. Listen to them and give them solutions within the legal framework. You have around 30 years of service and you must focus on public welfare. Never violate laws and always set an example,” Siddharamaiah said.

Advisor to Home Minister Kempaiah, ATI Director General Dr. Sandeep Dave, DG (Training) Prem Shankar Meena, KPA Director Vipul Kumar, Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep, City Police Commissioner Dr. A. Subramanyeshwara Rao, Superintendent of Police Ravi D. Channannavar, Police Training School Principal Dharanidevi Malagatti and other officers were present.

VOLLEY OF QUESTIONS

Chief Minister Siddharamaiah took a couple of questions from the probationary officers. Here are a few of them.

Aishwarya (probationary Assistant Commissioner): How should the relationship be between politicians and officers in a better society?

CM: There must be cordial relationship as both are public servants. While politicians are policy makers, officers are implementing authority.

Harsha (probationary BCM officer): What is your next step and what will be the role of officers in it?

CM Siddharamaiah: To help the weaker section of the society. Officers play a large role in implementing my policies.

Vinay Kumar Patil (Probationary Tahsildar): How can officers prevent conflicts?

CM: Conflicts arise due to inequality. As a taluk magistrate, you have a great responsibility of minimising inequality in the society and help those people who have been deprived.

Sushma (Probationary Executive Officer): How can hunger be eradicated?

CM Siddharamaiah: We have distributed 1.45 crore BPL cards so far. Officers must ensure that all the pro-poor schemes are implemented. Even if the rich manage to get BPL cards, no poor must be deprived of it.

Prashanth Manoli (Probationary Dy.SP): If you are a top Police officer, then what?

CM: I would strive to uplift the downtrodden and my focus would be on the weaker sections of the society.