There is confirmation today that former Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Parmesh Chand resigned from his post due to certain disagreements with Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

Bainimarama has revealed that he and Chand had a discussion and then he decided to take leave.

However, Bainimarama says he would not reveal the reasons for the disagreements with Chand.

"Parmesh (Chand) resigned, I think Parmesh is the man to come and tell you why he resigned. No. We had a disagreement. There was some confusion about these terms of reference as Permanent Secretary and he asked to take leave," he said.

"I didn’t know that he’d resigned. But he is a professional – he’d be good for this government. He would be good for any government.

"Listen to me Mr Chand and I had disagreements with the role and his terms of reference as permanent secretary. What it entails- you’re not going to know. None of your business." Bainimarama said.

When the media questioned Bainimarama on how he felt after Parmesh Chand, who was his main right-hand man, had left the PM's office, the Interim PM first joked that he has his left hand and then agreed that Chand will definitely be missed.

"I’ve got a left hand here. Seriously. I’m going to miss  him. He is a good man. He has been loyal. We’ve had differences over the last couple of days and he thought he’d take leave. So I hope he’ll stick around in government circles," Bainimarama said.

Parmesh Chand Resigns Publish date/time: 15/07/2008 [17:46]

One of Fiji's most senior civil servants and a key adviser to the Prime Minister has resigned today.

Public Service Commission Chairman, Rishi Ram said Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Parmesh Chand handed in his resignation letter this morning and it was accepted by the PSC.

When asked on the reports that Parmesh Chand was told to leave the Prime Minister's Office yesterday due to a disagreement with the Interim PM, Ram said he is unaware of any such incident.

Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama has been busy in meetings all day and could not be reached for a comment.

Chand has not responded to any queries since yesterday.

Parmesh Chand, was the Outstanding Chief Executive in the Civil Service Awards during Qarase's term and was the first senior civil service appointee after the interim government came into office.

PSC Awaits Confirmation on Chand

More than 24 hours after the departure of Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Parmesh Chand, the Public Service Commission is yet to get confirmation on why he left his office yesterday.
PSC Chairman, Rishi Ram said the procedures are clear that if a Permanent Secretary is to take his leave or resigns, the Commission which is the employer has to be advised.
Ram also says the issue of disciplining a PS has to go through the PSC.

“If a permanent secretary decides to go on leave then he has to apply to the Secretary of the Public Service. If he wishes to tender his resignation then he is required to submit his resignation to the Secretary for the Public Service through the Line Minister," Ram said.

"If there are some disciplinary cases involved then the ministry responsible will make necessary submissions to the Public Service Commission to consider the allegations.”

When asked whether a line minister can terminate the Permanent Secretary's contract or send the person leave without contacting the PSC, Ram said he cannot comment on the issue.

“At the moment it is not very clear as to what is his situation. So I really cannot comment on that.” Ram said.

Chand could not be reached for a comment.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama is yet to comment on the issue.
Permanent Secretary at the PSC, Taina Tagicakibau says she has not be notified of anything by the PM's Office. She says they will wait for the office to contact her on the development.

 

Permanent Secretary at PM’s Office Sent Home

The Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s office has been sent home after a directive from the interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

However, Public Service Commission Chairman Rishi Ram and Permanent Secretary for PSC Taina Tagicakibau told Fijivillage that they are not aware of the decision and have not been informed by the PM's Office.

Deputy Secretary for Information Major Neumi Leweni said they will not comment on the matter and referred all queries to the interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

Bainimarama is expected to comment later today. Chand could not be reached for a comment.

It is not known at this stage on whether Chand is on leave or has resigned from his position.