CPI-M raps ministers for poor performance

TRIVANDRUM: Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPI-M) which returned to power for the second time in a row with enhanced majority in the last May elections is having a re-look at the performance of ministers in the cabinet. The party which leads the ruling Let Democratic Front (LDF) government had shunted out most of the senior experienced ministers despite their sterling performance in the first Pinarayi government to give way to young blood in the party during cabinet formation.

“The party must discuss the shortcomings of the ministers. We have already appraised their performance and directions have been given to rectify and effectively change the work patern,” Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, CPI-M state secretary, told media persons ater the 5-day party leadership meeting in Trivandrum on Friday.

Speakers minced no words in pointing out the flaws of the ministers without naming them.

There was no move to kick start a blame game, but a sincere atempt was evident in the criticism raised against non-performing ministers. Ministers were advised to be more active, efficient and effective at work. Kodiyeri ruled out any reshuffle in the cabinet at this point of time.

“Each minister has been given the necessary directions. All of them are going to be spirited and energetic. As of now, there is no need to remove anyone from the cabinet and hence no need for a reshuffle,” Kodiyeri said. Endorsing the criticism, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asked the ministers to rise to the expectations of the party in terms of their performance.

“There is not as much of a problem as being talked about. Despite the lack of experience, the ministers have to live up to expectations and perform well in their respective porfolios. There should be an effort and atention for the same on their part,” Vijayan told reporters ater the state commitee meeting.

Pinarayi also urged ministers to give special atention to the functioning of their offices.

They were also directed to behave well toward those who approach them with different needs.

The cabinet’s overall performance was evaluated and the lack of experience was indeed a concern, said Kodiyeri.

Most ministers in the second Pinarayi cabinet are first-timers.

“The ministers are mostly based in their offices and programmes are mostly organised online. Directions have been given to effectively change such work paterns that distance them from people. Ministers must be more active and travel across the state,” Kodiyeri told media persons.

“The ministers must be in the state capital for five days. Nevertheless, there is a tendency to not go anywhere even on other days. Such conduct needs to be corrected,” he said.