Allegations of hidden GOs and appointments raise transparency concerns

Allegations have surfaced that several Tamil Nadu government departments are not publishing government orders (GOs) in a timely and complete manner, prompting questions about transparency in administration.

Secretariat sources said the state has 42 departments and over 100 directorates and commissionerates, with department secretaries issuing GOs on administration, schemes and announcements. On average, 20 to 30 GOs are issued daily, and these are expected to be made public through the Information and Public Relations Department on the government website for the benefit of citizens, media and officials.

However, the sources alleged that only select orders—those seen as unlikely to create problems for the government or those that offer publicity—are being released, while others are withheld. They cited as examples a GO related to constructing a new Secretariat building at Pattinapakkam in Chennai, which they said has not been published by the Public Department, and an order to restart the previously stopped “limited tender” method, which they said has not been published by the Highways Department.

The complaint also extends to delays in publication. A GO prepared by the Municipal Administration Department on October 16 regarding rainwater harvesting was, according to the sources, officially released only on October 19. They further alleged a lack of transparency in appointments, pointing to reports that the appointment of Ricky Rathan Pandit Vetrivel as Special Officer in the Chief Minister’s political wing was not officially released but leaked on May 12 and later cancelled after objections. They added that official notifications for the appointment of Jagadeesh as the Chief Minister’s private secretary, and orders appointing John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy as advisers, have not been published so far.

According to the sources, information is sometimes leaked first to gauge public reaction, with official announcements following only if there is no backlash; otherwise, orders and appointments are kept out of public view.