THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said the outgoing Chief Secretary was a farsighted visionary in administrative affairs of the state. Delivering the presidential address at the farewell programme organised in connection with the retirement of Antony at Durbar Hall in the Secretariat, Pinarayi said Paul Antony was a rare breed of bureaucrat who never felt let down while allegations were raised and he did his duties diligently by taking extra effort.
“It is hard to see such breed of bureaucrats. There would be criticisms and allegations while going ahead with administrative tasks and the bureaucrats should not feel dejected in such a situation. Antony was firm in his decisions in matters in which he had staunch belief,” he said. He had also proved himself even before being appointed as the Chief Secretary by working in various capacities, including as the chairman of the Cochin Port Trust.He was instrumental in lifting the cash-starved port to growth track, the Chief Minister said. Only a few people can achieve praiseworthy expertise within a short span of career and he is now stepping into a world without deadlines after working years with utmost dedication, he said.
Antony in his reply said he had never thought in his dreams to reach such a post when he used to walk through the streets of Thiruvananthapuram during his childhood days.“I am fortunate enough to get a good team of co-workers and I am retiring from with service with a great deal of satisfaction. In addition, I could work with stalwarts like Gouri Amma, E Chandrasekharan Nair and talented ministers and officials during my stint,” he said.Moreover, the present government led by Pinarayi Vijayan could change the perception on Kerala that it is not easy to hold developmental works in the state, he said.