P. Manivannan, a 1998 IAS, came to Mysore with some name and fame as an able officer who delivers, not just promises. In fact, Manivannan, who was in Hubli - Dharwad as Corporation Commissioner, had already grabbed publicity as a "Demolition Man". Demolition of illegal constructions in Hubli city, of course.
Thus was our expectations roused when he took charge first as MUDA Commissioner and in - charge Commissioner of City Corporation on 24th August 2007 and then as Deputy Commissioner on 28th January 2008. He derived added strength when the then District in - Charge Minister Shobha Karandlaje and even Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa reposed confidence in his honesty of purpose and ability to deliver on government programmes. No doubt, Mysore is a difficult place to work, what with factions based on caste and other considerations. As we know, the district has five major communities vying with each other both for political space as also opportunities in jobs and positions.
JNNURM windfall that came our city's way was almost ignored by our people's representatives both in the Corporation and at other higher bodies, thus creating a situation where our city came to a point of denying itself such a huge sum of money for its development. No doubt, when NGOs like M. Lakshmana of the ACICM made some noise, the then officers did stir from their chairs; but it was Manivannan as JNNURM Special Officer who gave JNNURM a shot in the arm, got the DPR prepared for some projects and saved the Central Government's JNNURM bonanza for the city. Thank you Manivannan.
However, the important change that his very presence in MUDA and MCC brought about in the administration cannot be undervalued. He was a great catalytic agent in an otherwise moribund administration in MUDA and MCC. Lazy - bones were shown their place, officers and even clerks who were found vulnerable to "too much" corruption too were shown their place, apart from being sternly warned.
While in MUDA and MCC, he did bring into play his reputation as a “demolition man” by removing a number of major encroachments and illegal constructions. He showed to the tax - payers, by this kind of decision, what a socially concerned and development minded government officer could do, if he really wants — despite political interference which is understandable in a democratic, electoral system of governance. After all, even elected representatives will appreciate a situation if the officer concerned is not a crony or a yes-man and explains the situation properly to a Corporator, MLA, MLC or MP. That is really the achievement of Manivannan — he took everybody into confidence before taking action.
Consider his ingenuity in solving the problem of identifying the staff and officers from among the huge crowd of people visiting the MCC and MUDA, including the middlemen, agents and touts daily. He introduced uniform to be worn by the staff and officers of these two offices, so that people would know the staff and officers from others.
There was, however, a time when Manivannan became a nightmare to candidates who were contesting the 2008 Assembly elections, what with the stringent election code of conduct imposed by the Election Commission of India. Manivannan had by then become the Deputy Commissioner of Mysore (Jan. 28, 2008) and as such, was also the “District Electoral Officer”. The checking of vehicles moving inter-district for contraband weapons including unnaturally excess cash with the passengers etc. made daily sensational news with vehicles being seized or persons being held for interrogation. Manivannan was known for selecting a right man for the right job. This had helped in executing the airport work, Nanjangud temple work, Talkad Panchalinga Darshana to give a few examples.
A new concept in District Administration was introduced by Manivannan when he began holding co - ordination meeting of heads of different government and quasi-governmental departments so that they will not work at cross purposes in executing or completing a project — be it road widening, building construction, UGD or whatever. This helped in getting clearance for the work or project from various departments without delay or deliberate hindrance.
While in MUDA, Manivannan spent over Rs. 5 crore to put to use 300 beds in the new IPD & OPD block at K. R. Hospital which were just lying neglected. He also constructed a new ramp to the building to make it operational as a 300 - bed unit. He initiated the bed - adoption concept in Cheluvamba Hospital, which was a good idea but I do not know if it has fructified.
From a known “demolition man”, Manivannan got transformed in Mysore, the royal city, as a “Dasara man” for his extraordinary skills in overcoming many hurdles and making the conduct of Dasara a smooth and hassle-free one within the given budget and time. He had the unique honour and privilege of conducting Dasara three times successively. In fact, it was a spectacular success with more innovative ideas that also came from the District in - Charge Minister Shobha Karandlaje — from 128 usual programmes, Shobha and Manivannan took it to 300. From city, for the first time, Dasara went rural. Remember “Dasara Darshana” for our village folk?
One of the modern high - tech wizardry of Manivannan was when he established a huge wireless network, bringing in 300 officers under this. It is claimed to be bigger than Police wireless network. It covered 26 government departments including K. R. Hospital and Chamundeshwari Hill temple. A first for the country. This wireless networking enabled the District Administration to access any of these 300 officers anytime for consultation and for emergency action. In fact, it helped the DC to monitor various government departments under his control in a minute, and thus respond to a supplicant or a complainant who would be sitting before him.
The result was seen when Mysore District came first in the “File and grievances disposal” in the entire division (comprising 8 districts) for the last six months.
Underneath that official tough exterior, there is another Manivannan with a kind heart and a humane face. Just one example. A few days before he left Mysore, he invited journalists for tea and one had expressed his inability to attend as he had problem walking. No problem. A car was sent to bring him and drop him back. No wonder there were innumerable send - off parties to Manivannan, cutting across all differences. That's testimony enough for his service here in city.
When he became the DC, he found almost daily demonstrations and dharna being held at his office. Considering the security risk to the building and the staff in these uncertain days, he promptly put up an iron grill and a gate at the vantage point. He also installed CCTV cameras to monitor the movements and activities of people who visited the office.
And finally, Manivannan as DC, made sure he had a perfect, cordial rapport with all the journalists and was always ready to correct himself, if found wanting or at fault. Probably, that quality was his strength in administration and secret of success as an officer. Thank you Mr. Manivannan, for serving our city well.
