BENGALURU: It was an unusual sight at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday where hundreds turned up to cheer a bureaucrat. A people’s favourite, Ratna Prabha, who took charge as the Chief Secretary of the state on Thursday, has listed strengthening of the public grievance redressal system in the administration as her top priority.
The adulation that poured out for her was akin to the one seen for film stars as the gathering cheered ‘rockstar’ even as Ratna Prabha entered to take charge as the head of the state bureaucracy. People came from as far as Bidar, where she started her illustrious career as an assistant commissioner.
Ratna Prabha, the third woman Chief Secretary of the state, turned emotional as she shared her experiences and spoke at length about her priorities during her interaction with the media. An excerpt.
What would be your priorities during your short tenure as the chief secretary of state?
My priority will be to strengthen the public grievance system. I am not a great believer of mobile application. Human touch is necessary to address the issues. I will chalk out a plan to find the departments which have issues and strengthen the public grievance redressal system. Just like the chief minister’s Janata Darshan, why can’t we conduct a similar programme where the public can interact with officials? This will support the government’s cause. I will also ensure that government programmes are effectively implemented.
Have you been a victim of gender bias?
I received encouragement since childhood. I never faced any discrimination on the lines of gender. I always got opportunities that I deserved and I have lived up to the expectations and will continue to do so.
You have beenemphasising on women empowerment and women entrepreneurship. Do you have any plans to strengthen these?
Yes. Being a woman, I will do something for women. Special Women’s Tech Parks are coming up in Hubballi, Dharwad, Mysuru, Ballari and Kalaburagi.
You have been appointed in the election year when the government will focus more on implementation of various programmes. Don’t you think you will be burdened?
I love to be burdened with work. I have the experience of handling multiple roles. I am confident that I will be able to manage time as well as priorities.
There is a perception that the chief secretary acts as the government’s ‘rubber stamp’. What do you have to say?
I will show how a CS can change things. The condition in Karnataka is different as politicians and bureaucrats work together for good causes.
People’s favourite
Born in 1958, K Ratna Prabha is a 1981 batch IAS officer. With 36 years of experience, she started her career as an assistant commissioner in Bidar in 1983. She was the first woman officer to be posted to Bidar. She gained popularity among the public so much that in 1993 she was posted back to Bidar as deputy commissioner after 10 people died in a firing. She holds a Masters degree in Sociology and English and had secured first rank in French. She is also a passionate photographer. During her tenure in Bidar as assistant commissioner, one of her subordinates was inspired by the way Ratna worked. In October 1984, when that officer was blessed with a baby girl, he named her after Ratna Prabha (the baby’s full name is Ratna Prabha Patil).