LUCKNOW: A terse letter recently sent by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to his colleagues has triggered speculation that a major ministerial and bureaucratic reshuffle is in the works. With the civic poll results out, it could be expected soon, sources said.
In the letter, the CM has sought the work and worth report of ministries and departments, the sources said. He has also enquired about the promptness with which the departments are approaching the Centre, especially the Niti Aayog, for time-bound implementation of development schemes in the state.
A couple of ministers The Sunday Standard spoke to have confirmed receiving the letter. They said the CM had expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and the delay in execution of government programmes.
On the basis of reports from various departments, the CM is likely to reshuffle his cabinet and effect changes in the bureaucracy.
The CM is believed to have asked ministers if they were holding monthly reviews of their departments and interacting with central agencies on funds allotment for speedy implementation of schemes. A senior cabinet minister confirmed that the CM had directed everyone to be cautious of “regular reviews of departments and continuous interaction with the Centre”.
The minister said the CM was very particular about optimum use of funds and spending budgets of respective departments. The CM himself was in constant touch with the Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar and CEO Amitabh Kant, sources said.
During a recent visit of the Niti Aayog team to Lucknow, the CM had promised it a quarterly review of a joint action plan for development of Uttar Pradesh. A decision was also taken to invite the Prime Minister for the quarterly review meeting.
“This is the reason the CM seems so concerned about regular review of the performance of departments,” a source said.
At present, there are 49 ministers are in the Yogi cabinet. “Those who don’t come up to the mark on the CM’s scale of performance may face the axe,” said a prominent political scientist, adding that those who did exemplary work could get more responsibility.