NEW DELHI, Oct 29 � Resident Commissioner of Assam, MGVK Bhanu has been appointed chairman of the Tea Board after the Department of Personnel and Training and Commerce and Industry Ministry cleared his appointment.
When contacted Bhanu confirmed his appointment and said that he is planning to join the new assignment after being released by Government of Assam within the next fortnight.
The appointment of the Chairman of the Tea Board, pending since last year saw many a turn and twist and hectic lobbying by officials of West Bengal cadre though it was Assam�s turn to the post.
Sources said that the DoPT cleared the appointment after the Commerce and Industry Ministry issued the notification.
Bhanu, who was among the shortlisted candidates, was almost ruled out after the Commerce and Industry Ministry selected the then Principal Secretary to the West Bengal Chief Minister, Subesh Kumar Das.
Later, though the Centre reversed its decision to opt for an officer from West Bengal, and gave the green signal to appoint an Assam cadre officer.
Bhanu, who enjoyed support of the Chief Minister, was cleared after the intervention of the Prime Minister at the prodding of Tarun Gogoi. The Prime Minister reportedly directed that an Assam cadre officer be selected for the post.
The Chief Minister had written a long note to Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma backing Bhanu�s candidature. The appointment had been hanging fire since October last.
