The officials in responsible positions must boldly and promptly make decisions. They should not keep giving flimsy excuses. If you cannot make decisions or act, you can generously vacate the positions, said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, sternly to the officials.
A special meeting to review the project proposals for 2026 of the Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs, Sports and Youth Affairs of Northern Province, was held on Saturday evening – 20 December 2025, at the Governor’s Secretariat. The Governor issued the above warning while chairing and addressing the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, the Governor expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the officials’ sluggish performance.
“For the past one year, I have been pointing out many issues. Do not expect me to keep saying them continuously. If I say something once, it must be completed. I am frustrated by your performance. I have not asked anything for my personal needs. I give instructions only to improve education in this province. If you cannot even carry out a simple transfer or take action, why are you in those positions?” the Governor questioned.
Further, “Instead of constantly asking higher officials for everything, people in responsible positions need courage. If you are not ready to act with dedication, vacate the positions,” he emphasized.
The Governor strongly criticized vindictive actions in the education sector, saying, “Use the importance you give to revenge here for improving children’s education. The joy from children’s progress in education cannot come from anything else. Prepare suitable plans for that. Go to the field and examine everything.”
Speaking about planning for the next year, the Governor ordered that priority must be given to the needs of areas recently affected by disasters. He also pointed out the necessity of developing schools in backward villages, completing half-finished buildings, and assessing real needs.
The departments’ financial allocations planned for 2026 under the Provincial Specific Development Grant (PSDG) were also discussed in detail at this time.
Department of Education: 1207 million rupees
Department of Sports: 113 million rupees
Early Childhood Development: 75 million rupees
Department of Cultural Affairs: 38 million rupees
The respective Directors of Departments explained the projects to be undertaken with the above allocations. The Governor instructed not to include projects to be carried out from other funding sources in this fund, and to submit the integrated provincial plan within the first week of January. Due to high needs, it was also decided to request additional funds.
Many participated in this discussion, including the Secretary to the Northern Province Governor, the Secretary of Ministry of Education – Northern Province, Deputy Chief Secretaries – Administration and Planning, the Director of the Provincial Buildings Department, Provincial Directors of relevant Departments, and Zonal Directors of Education.
