Thiruvananthapuram, October 7 (Daily Kiran) : Tensions are rising within Kerala’s government as two senior IAS officers vie for dominance over the ambitious “Waste-Free Kerala” initiative. This internal conflict is causing confusion in the Local Self-Government Department, where two parallel programs are being implemented to achieve the same goal.
The friction involves T.V. Anupama, the Secretary of the Local Self-Government Department, and Dr. Divya S. Ayyar, the Principal Director. Reports indicate that their differences have led to the launch of both the “Nirmalam” campaign and the “IC 100 Challenge,” both aimed at making the state waste-free.
The “Nirmalam” initiative, spearheaded by Anupama, is part of a 100-day action plan designed to promote widespread cleanliness across Kerala. In contrast, the “IC 100 Challenge” focuses on identifying and cleaning sensitive waste accumulation sites, ensuring they remain waste-free for 100 consecutive days.
Sources reveal that Ayyar has expressed dissatisfaction to the Local Self-Government Minister, claiming she has not been given adequate recognition or an influential role in the “Nirmalam” program. She has reportedly raised concerns about not being adequately consulted on significant departmental decisions.
The launch of the “IC 100 Challenge” seems to be an attempt to address Ayyar’s concerns and provide her with a distinct role in the waste management efforts. However, this decision has sparked new questions within the department. Reports suggest that Anupama has been sidelined from this new initiative, leading to discussions about the separate roles of senior officials within the same department.
This unusual situation raises worries about coordination with local bodies and the effective implementation of waste management campaigns in the state. The Local Self-Government Department has acknowledged the seriousness of the waste management challenge in Kerala and the need for improved coordination among various agencies and local bodies. Consequently, the reported disputes among senior officials are viewed as significant to the success of this ambitious campaign.
Ayyar’s public profile is also intertwined with political connections. She is married to K.S. Sabari Nathan, a former Congress MLA and current Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Councilor. Sabari Nathan has served two terms as a Congress MLA from the Aruvikkara constituency and is the son of the late Congress leader and former Kerala Assembly Speaker G. Karthikeyan. Their marriage took place while Ayyar was serving as a sub-collector.
As the situation unfolds, there are ongoing efforts to resolve the differences between the two officials and clarify their responsibilities. The primary concern remains that the rivalry does not hinder coordination with local bodies or affect the ground-level waste management initiatives. The Kerala government has set an ambitious goal of achieving “zero waste,” making effective administrative collaboration essential for the campaign’s success.
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