THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Food and Civil Supplies minister Anoop Jacob is keen that all his actions while occupying the ministerial post should be people-oriented and the society at large should benefit from them. He also feels that the criticism of lack of experience in governance aired against him will not be a hurdle to his desire to perform well with vision and commitment.Addressing a meet the press programme here on Monday, prior to his attending his first day in office, Anoop Jacob said that he is quite aware that the portfolios to be handled by him including Registration are very complicated but asserted that he would be able to manage them successfully. “I would follow a transparent approach in all official matters. It will be my first concern,’’he said.Anoop, who is succeeding his late father T M Jacob in the same portfolios handled by the latter till his demise a few months ago, said that that UDF government’s policy to reach out to the masses is important and the 25 kg rice at Re 1 per kilo scheme would be broadened so that more beneficiaries are added to it.“In the Piravom bypoll, the scheme was the number one campaign plank of the UDF,’’ he observed.The minister maintained that he has to go into the details of the crucial aspects related to the Food and Civil Supplies Department before making any declarations. "Still, my first priority would be to ensure that at least half-a-litre of kerosene is supplied to all eligible families,’’he said.When pointed out that allegations have cropped up on the mass transfer of officials in the Registration Department a day prior to his being sworn in as minister, Anoop said that there is no need to rake up a controversy over it and believed that it was only a routine exercise. "If there are any complaints, it will be looked into,’’ he promised.On the comments of Shibu Baby John, who was holding additional charge of Food and Civil Supplies, that the new minister will be safe if Johny Nelloor, KC( Jacob) party chairman, stopped his meddling, Anoop said that everyone is free to air their views. “I don’t think that my party will unnecessarily involve in administrative matters related to the portfolios under me. I shall imbibe the party’s views in governance but will follow an independent line of functioning,’’ he said.Asked whether the delay in his swearing-in has created problems, he countered it that the ceremony was already over and there was no need to make an evaluation at this juncture. Referring to the dissenting voices and turmoil in the UDF and the cabinet on the fifth minister issue, he said that differences whatsoever will be sorted out soon.
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