Yogi Adiyanath bans pan, gutka in UP offices, allocates portfolios

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday banned chewing of 'paan' (beetal leaves), and consumption of tobacco and its products in all state government offices, hospitals and educational institutions and directed for ban on use of polythene.

The Chief Minister also allocated portfolios to his ministerial colleagues, keeping several key departments like home, revenue, mining and jails with him.

Adiyanath inspected the Shastri Bhavan (annexe) here during his first full working day here after taking oath as the Chief Minister on Sunday. He inspected various floors and sections of the building to get a first-hand account of cleanliness and work ethos.

According to an official release, Adityanath gave a stern message that "old work style and lax attitude towards work" will not be tolerated and stringent action taken against those found wanting in discharge of their duties.

Adityanath asked Chief Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar to ensure a proper system for upkeep, maintenance of files and records within a week and to ensure cleanliness in the Shastri Bhavan premises within the period.

He hoped that similar mechanism will be adopted in subordinate offices and noted that departmental presentations and reviews will be conducted in the fifth-floor conference room between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

The BJP Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to fix a time table for presentations and review meetings and said the meeting room should be properly maintained.

Noting that cleanliness pledges should not remain mere formalities and officials need to set an example for others to emulate, Adiyanath laid emphasis on cleanliness and called upon officials to encourage their subordinates to maintain it.

The Chief Minister said he will continue to conduct inspections to ensure his directions were complied with.

Expressing displeasure at wires dangling in the office, Adiyanath called for immediate steps for improvement. He said clean environment in offices will lead to enhanced productivity and also stressed on the need to work with a team spirit. Read Full Story >>>