Ranchi: Rai Mahimapat Ray, a 2013 batch IAS officer took charge as Ranchi deputy commissioner on Monday.

His predecessor Manoj Kumar, a 2007 batch IAS officer, has been transferred in the same capacity to Giridih.

"My priority will not be different from the government's," Ray, who was Bokaro DC, said after assuming charge, adding he would implement all welfare schemes with focus on transparency and quality.

Ray, who had earlier been the staff officer of the chief secretary and Latehar DC too, said he would strive to be accessible to Ranchi citizens.

"I believe in direct communication to sort out people's problems," he said.

On his expectations from collectorate employees, the new deputy commissioner said, "I expect punctuality and honesty. I want them to depend only on their salary that the government pays them."

Any unfinished work in Bokaro? "Well, I'd have liked to finish the airport expansion work there, which is due to happen in April," Ray smiled.