IAS association extends support to Renu Raj

Thiruvananthapuram: The IAS association has expressed its strong displeasure and concern over the verbal attack on Devikulam sub-collector Renu Raj by Devikulam MLA S Rajendran.
The association that met here on Tuesday late evening, passed a resolution. In a statement issued here, the association said that the incident where the government servant was verbally abused while carrying out her duties in good faith was in bad taste.

“As government servants, the IAS officers will continue to serve the public who are paramount in a vibrant democracy. Renu Raj’s contribution in upholding the constitutional values and her work to provide efficient and transparent governance are highly appreciated,” the statement issued by association president Asha Thomas and secretary K Biju said.

The association expressed its solidarity with Renu Raj for the courage, utmost restraint and poise she has maintained, despite the circumstances. The association resolved that different pillars of democracy under the Constitution should be allowed to function without fear or favour, and undue overreach by any of them is detrimental to good governance.

It is learnt that Renu Raj who had given detailed reports to chief secretary Tom Jose and principal secretary (revenue and disaster management) V Venu is awaiting further instructions from the government on whether to file a complaint before speaker P Sreeramakrishnan against Rajendran.

The IAS fraternity is also thinking of petitioning Governor P Sathasivam as such matters have become repeated incidents in the state.

Earlier, former Devikulam sub-collectors Sriram Venkitaraman and V R Premkumar had been victims of such verbal attacks and threats from CPM leaders in Idukki.