THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In my rather long career of more than four decades in public service, both in Kerala and the Centre, I have come across several political leaders and ministers of many hues. Seldom have I seen a man of such distinction, dedication and commitment as the late E Chandrasekharan Nair. I met him first when I was managing director of the Co-operative Marketing Federation in Kozhikode and he was Chairman of the State Co-operative Bank.
I was very young at the time, barely 27, having lived most of my life in big cities, not knowing enough about Kerala, about politicians and how to react to field situations. Chandrasekharan Nair was one of my preceptors at the time from whom I learnt a great deal about the state and its people. I built up some kind of reputation in the cooperative sector and, later, when he was minister and a vacancy arose in the Civil Supplies Corporation, he took me as Managing Director.
Working with him in building the non-formal public distribution system in the state was an experience I would never forget. We started with Onam markets. Prices regularly rose enormously during Onam time as traders cashed in on the huge demand for all commodities, particularly vegetables. The minister was determined to control this, using the Civil Supplies Corporation as his instrument, working closely with the Civil Services Department. While the minister kept himself fully acquainted with all that was going on, his unique characteristic was that he trusted his officers and backed them fully.
I remember I even issued orders authorising Civil Supplies officials to buy from the market if any shortage was experienced in any one of the many stalls we had set up and sell below the going market price even if we sustained a loss. There was no fear of Vigilance or of audit because the objective was clear and we were all working towards it, knowing fully well the minister and the government would be sure to support us.
The Onam markets were a resounding success. At the end of the day, I found we had incurred a loss of `17 lakh. He got orders issued, ratifying the loss. There may have been cases of malpractice here and there but we were all working towards a single objective, that of controlling prices at times of surge. This is a lesson in itself. When our goal is clear and we are not troubled by doubts and fears, chances of success multiply manifold.
Later, we decided to extend the concept of the Onam market to Christmas and Eid. We also conceived of a more permanent arrangement for supply of non-rationed commodities throughout the year. Maveli stores thus took birth. The minister was again at the forefront, thinking, conceptualising, discussing, planning. We designed a unique facade, chosen by him from out of several competing designs. He also chose the name Maveli which will ever remain as a tribute to his memory and to his many contributions to the state. We started with one store in each district and later decided to set up a hundred. He was particular the Corporation must not become a burden on the state exchequer and on the taxpayers of Kerala. Whatever money we lost by subsidising sales in Onam markets or elsewhere had to be made up by trading in other lines. Our profits came through edible oils, cement and tea.
Later, I worked with him briefly as his secretary in charge of animal husbandry and dairy development. When I was away on Central deputation , I heard of the remarkable work he did, transforming Kerala tourism with the support of Amitabh Kant and Venu. I met him after I came back from Delhi in 2011 and he gave me a couple of books he had written.As I bid adieu to you, sir, I thank you for having taught me the basics of good and purposeful administration , clarity in thinking, and the ability to keep the future in mind while planning for the present.
In an exclusive to ‘Express,’ former Union Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar reminisces his days with ex-minister E Chandrasekharan Nair, who passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday