An Upright and Strong Disciplinarian

Whether a Minister or an M.P. or a party functionary, Baalu has been well known for his transparency, uprightness and discipline. Once he decides on a course of action, come what may, he would pursue it with all his might to its logical conclusion.

While the matter of locating a suitable premises for the Headquarters of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) at Chennai was under consideration, the monthly rent for the shortlisted building was considered a little higher than CPWD or other Government rates. Even as his senior officers were not favouring to hire that building, Baalu was more than convinced about the suitability of that premises. He, therefore, passed a speaking Order on the concerned file to hire that very building for the purpose at least till such time the Ministry finds another suitable and cheaper place. Baalu was right and till date the NBA is functioning from that premises only.

Another interesting incident is in respect of the appointment of his Private Secretary. Baalu chose a retired senior officer of Joint Secretary level as his Private Secretary from June 2003. Government rules call for approval of such appointments by the Appointment Committee of Cabinet (ACC). Though it is the prerogative of a Union Minister to appoint a person of his confidence and choice, the proposal remained pending in PMO for quite a long period. So much so that when Baalu had to leave for Italy to Chair the Bureau Meeting as COP 8 President in the first week of October 2003, the tour proposal of his PS to accompany him was not cleared by PMO. Baalu took the mater very strongly with the Principal Secretary to P.M who was moved only when he (Baalu) threatened to cancel his own visit. Later, he had to meet the Prime Minister personally to get the pending proposal cleared by ACC.

As a Minister, when in Delhi Baalu would always arrive in office punctually at or before 9:00 AM. To his dismay, he would find most of the senior officers of Joint Secretary and above levels not on their seats. Once he fixed an important meeting with officers at 9:00 A.M. He was well before on his seat and asked to close the door of the Conference Room. Several officers including Secretary of the Ministry reported late and had to face severe embarrassment. With his own punctuality, Baalu was able to enforce this discipline amongst a large number of officers of the Ministry.