K Padmanabhaiah, former Union Home Secretary, has assumed charge as the Chairman of the Court of Governors of the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) here on Monday.

The career bureaucrat played an important role in peace efforts both in Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast, especially Nagaland with various groups from the Union Home Ministry. 

On taking charge, he said “ASCI has been the most prestigious organisation in training administrators and managers since 1956. It occupied the top most position before the IIMs and other Business Schools came up. I want this institute of national importance to regain its past glory”.

Earlier in the month, S M Datta, the Chairman resigned citing reported `personal reasons’. The Court of Governors met on November 21 to discuss and take a decision on the resignation and future course. The College was also in the news for a workplace harassment complaint by a woman professor against the Director General. 

The 1938 born, 1961 batch IAS officer of Maharastra cadre chaired the Committee on Police Reforms (2000), the Committee on Re-organization of S.S.B., and the Committee to Review the working of National Institute of Urban Management. Most of his recommendations on police reforms have been accepted for implementation by the Government. 

In 2008, he was awarded ‘Padma Bhushan’ by the President of India for outstanding contributions to the nation in the field of civil service.

somasekhar.m@thehindu.co.in