Raj Bhavan, the official residence of Governor Banwarilal Purohit, has drawn up plans to step up its transparency drive.
Improving upon the existing arrangement of allowing people entry through online booking, the authorities plan to allow visitors into Raj Bhavan even without a prior appointment. “Anyone can walk in. The idea is to let 100 people in between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. daily. They will be taken around by a guide. They can take photographs. The only condition is that visitors should not insist that they travel by (electric) cars (being provided by the authorities),” said R. Rajagopal, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor.
At present, there are only two electric cars, both of which are being used for public viewing of the campus every day. Students of schools under Chennai Corporation constitute the bulk of the visitors. Regarded as one of the largest Raj Bhavans in the country, the Guindy campus, spread over 156 acres, is known for its heritage structures, picturesque landscape and the presence of deer. Mr. Rajagopal said that steps were being taken to grow fodder on the campus and distribute it to temples and “goshalas” free.
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Transparency measures
As part of efforts to boost transparency, he said that details of immoveable properties owned by 80 regular employees of Raj Bhavan would be put in the public domain. This follows measures to control expenditure since October last year. On the issue of fake bills for supply of groceries, he said disciplinary action against four had been taken. “The watchword that we have adopted at Raj Bhavan is ESDPM, which stands for elimination of corruption, simplicity, discipline, paying for services and monitoring,” said Mr. Rajagopal.