Chennai: Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Adhav Arjuna told the Tamil Nadu Assembly that the proposed shift of the Chief Minister’s Office is only a temporary arrangement aimed at improving basic facilities for staff.
During the debate, DMK whip E.V. Velu said funds of Rs 5.54 crore have been earmarked to move the CM’s office from the Fort complex to Namakkal Kavignar Maligai, a building constructed during the Karunanidhi administration. He also raised concerns that Secretariat staff were complaining about lack of space and amenities if the office is moved.
Velu further alleged that an online tender was not issued for setting up the CM’s office, despite claims of transparency in tenders.
Responding, the minister said the tender process has not been finalised yet. He added that the current CM’s office measures only about 100 square feet, with around 80 people working in close proximity, and that even basic toilet facilities are not available for them.
The minister said the Chief Minister maintains a routine of arriving at the Secretariat at 9:30 am and leaving at 5:30 pm, and receives officials, foreign diplomats and visitors. The shift, he said, is not for the CM’s personal comfort but to provide necessary facilities for those working around him, and is being done as a temporary measure.
