Manohar Lal Khattar may be old school, but he’s relying on technology to beat the twin threats facing the state.
Manohar Lal Khattar
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar may be old school, but he’s relying on technology to beat the twin threats facing the state. Besides the COVID-19 epidemic, Haryana also has to deal with harvesting the rabi crop amidst the lockdown. Khattar has set up multiple helplines for those seeking food supplies, for financial assistance to the poor, for health assistance, for old citizens looking for details on pension/ other benefits. “A call centre randomly verifies the information shared by these helplines,” says Rajiv Khullar, the CM’s principal secretary.
Apart from this, Khattar addresses citizens daily via his YouTube channel, which is also broadcast live by local TV channels. He’s also in touch with the opposition to coordinate relief work.
Health and home minister Anil Vij (in charge of all corona-related incidents) and deputy CM Dushyant Chautala (in charge of procurement-related matters) are Khattar’s two point men. He has also deputed senior IAS officers in all 22 districts to deal with the situation on the ground.
