Shimla, June 1 -- Senior IAS officer Kamlesh Kumar Pant, who assumed additional charge as the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, said his foremost priority would be the effective implementation of the state government's welfare schemes, programmes and the Chief Minister's key initiatives to ensure their benefits reach people promptly.

Speaking to the media after taking over the additional responsibility, Pant said the administration would focus on accelerating the execution of government programmes and making governance more accessible and responsive to public needs.

"The priority will be to ensure that all welfare schemes, programmes and the Chief Minister's priorities are implemented effectively so that their benefits reac...