Maya ropes in ex-babu to push development agenda

NEW DELHI: With Nitish Kumar’s return to power in Bihar on development plank, UP chief minister Mayawati, too, is keen to recast her image in a similar mould ahead of the assembly polls in 2012.

The BSP supremo has roped in former IAS officer M Ramachandran as adviser (infrastructure) to accelerate various infrastructure projects and development works in the state.

The state government’s brief suggests that Ramchandran, an ex-Union urban development secretary, will advise and monitor ongoing projects related to metro rail, airport, expressways and those under consideration in Noida and Greater Noida —- these areas are developing at a breakneck speed, thanks to their close proximity to the national Capital.

The former IAS officer, who has been offered the rank of a Cabinet minister, will advise the government for effective and timely implementation of these major projects, along with chalking out a roadmap to raise resources by encouraging private sector’s participation. Having served in UP — coupled with his tenure as an UD secretary where he was instrumental in framing many key urban development policies — perhaps, led the Mayawati government to zero in on Ramachandran.

For instance, as UD secretary, he played a key role in formulating the Master Plan for Delhi, implemented the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) for revamping urban infrastructure in 63 cities, handled Metro rail projects, including the Delhi Metro, and made the National Capital Region authorities to agree to a common transport agreement for free movement of autos, buses and taxis to and from Delhi.

Talking to ToI about his new assignment, the ex-UP cadre officer said, he is keen to work for UP’s development. “My first priority will be to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for urban development for the state,” Ramachandran said.
He added, “The focus will also be on advising the state government to expedite various ongoing and new infrastructure projects to push the state’s economy on high growth trajectory.”  Source>>>