GNFC chief quits amid red tapism

The Gujarat government's turnaround man, A K Luke, has tendered his resignation as managing director of Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Company (GNFC) effective from September 14, 2005.

Over the last few days, speculation had been rife about this bureaucrat of repute putting in his papers or the government transferring him to some other area of function.

Although Luke has cited personal reasons behind his resignation, according to sources, he has resigned from GNFC owing to political interference in his job.

It is learnt that Luke had come in direct conflict with some heavyweight politicians for not agreeing to their dealings with GNFC. He had taken over the GNFC charge in October 2004.

Luke parried an inquiry into the issue saying it is the government who is to reply on the development. "I have not issued my own transfer orders. (It's) better the Gujarat government makes its stand clear on it. I am holding the charge of Gujarat State Fertilizers Company for the time being," he said.

Meanwhile, the state has decided to hand over the charge to Balwant Singh, director of GNFC, effective from September 14, 2005.

Singh will formally be appointed as managing director of GNFC by the board of directors in its meeting to be held on September 22, 2005.

Earlier, under the leadership of Luke, Gujarat Alkalis and Chemicals had witnessed a major turnaround.