‘CMGGAs aren’t meant to enjoy powers’

In an interview with The Tribune’s Sushil Manav, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar says he appreciates Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu’s concept of CM’s Fellows in running the administration. Excerpts from the interview:

How did you conceive the idea of CMGGAs?

I took up with my additional principal secretary Rakesh Gupta the programme launched by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister. We were very clear from the outset only exceptionally brilliant candidates would be selected for CMGGAs. Over 1,200 candidates had applied for the first batch in 2016. This year, over 2,600 candidates have applied for the third batch. 

What is your feedback about the programme?

Very good! These are young people full of enthusiasm and energy. All of them have come from the best universities. They not only know how to identify problems, but also their solutions. Introduction of CMGGAs to the system has proved a boon for the government, as they have been incorporating their innovative ideas in education, health and environment.

Your reaction to criticism from the Opposition that CMGGAs are RSS appointees

Perhaps none of the CMGGAs comes from the RSS background. The RSS did not even know about the programme. The selection of CMGGAs is based on merit alone. About the extra-constitutional aspect, the CMGGAs have been clearly told that they were not appointed to enjoy any powers. Their work is only to coordinate and help the district administration. 

Q: Do you see any scope for further improvement in the programme?

We have been constantly improving. I meet the CMGGAs once in two months and listen to their experiences. They all meet each other and share their experiences. The objective is to improve the system.