In a path breaking initiative, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday hosted a farewell party for the outgoing state Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua, at his office here, in the presence of large number of IAS officers.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that Mr. Janjua had served on various positions during his distinguished career of 34 years as an IAS officer. He said that the Punjab government has taken several pro-people decisions in the last one year and the Chief Secretary played a key role in its implementation.
Bhagwant Mann said that it was quite challenging to implement the decision to regularise services of contractual teachers, but Janjua has meticulously ensured smooth implementation of all these welfare decisions of the government with the utmost dedication.
The Chief Minister also lauded Janjua for ensuring that people will get the benefits of various pro-people and development oriented schemes of state government at the grassroots level. Extending his warm-wishes to Janjua for the future, Bhagwant Mann said that his vast experience of serving at different positions was of great help to state government.
He envisioned that Janjua will continue to work for the welfare of Punjab and its people.Meanwhile, welcoming the newly appointed Chief Secretary Anurag Verma, the Chief Minister exuded confidence that Verma will discharge his responsibility to implement the pro-people initiatives and programmes of the government to the grassroots level with utmost dedication.
Describing administrative officers as the backbone of the government, he said that all the officers serving at various capacities are like family to him adding that it is heartening to see that all of them are working tirelessly for the betterment and progress of the state.Bhagwant Mann asked them to deliver their services far more efficiently to benefit the people of the state.
On the occasion, outgoing Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua profusely thanked the Chief Minister and said that it was due to the trust reposed by him that he was able to implement the pro-people policies of the government in the true spirit while posted as Chief Secretary for one year.
Striking an emotional chord, Janjua said it is for the first time in the history of the state that the Chief Minister had hosted a farewell party for a CS on his retirement.Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister A Venu Prasad, who is also president of the IAS association, thanked the Chief Minister and wished the outgoing Chief Secretary Mr Vijay Kumar Janjua all the best for the future.