More time for shifting the heads of various departments to the capital region

Vijayawada: The chief minister's plans to shift at least the heads of various departments to the capital region by the end of this month might not be a reality as interiors of the offices have not been prepared yet. It will take some more time for the offices of the HoDs and state offices to be readied as per the requirement of the staff and officials.

Offices of different departments would be lodged in private buildings which need to be altered  with partitions and cabins for the employees and officers. In all probability, it would take two more months  for all the works to be completed. The employees are ready to work in the incomplete buildings but they cannot do so as there are no proper arrangements done. Furniture, files and other paraphernalia  are yet to be placed in these offices.

According to sources, the officials acquired 15-lakh square feet space from private persons for state offices and HoD offices. Of this, only two buildings, with minor changes, can suit to the needs of the government staff, said Revenue Employees Association president Bopparaju Venkateswarlu. The revenue department selected a big building at Gollapudi, on the outskirts of the city. The private buildings acquired were constructed with a different idea and it will take time to modify them.

The state government fixed June 27 as the deadline for shifting of HoDs and related staff. Now, only shifting of employees is possible before June 27.  “The delay is normal as it will take time for even a small house to be shifted and relocated," a government employee pointed out. Owners of some buildings rented out the premises even without basic facilities.