Chief Minister Takes Stern Action: Crackdown on Negligent Officials

Raipur, 19 May

As part of the Good Governance Festival, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai took firm action against negligence in government work, issuing two major directives against erring officials.

The Chief Minister ordered the immediate suspension of Mr. R.K. Mishra, Executive Engineer of the Mungeli Water Resources Department, citing prolonged delays in key irrigation projects like the Maniyari and Pathariya reservoirs as clear evidence of negligence.

He also directed the removal of District Education Officer Mr. Jagdish Kumar Shastri from his post in the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) district. Mr. Sai expressed serious concern over the district’s poor performance in board exams, stating that such administrative lapses in the education system would not be tolerated.

These actions underline Mr. Sai’s strong stance that the era of inefficiency and lack of accountability in government work is over. He issued these directives while reviewing the implementation of schemes in GPM, Bilaspur, and Mungeli districts during a meeting held at the Mungeli Collectorate.

“Officials Must Make Regular Field Visits”
The Chief Minister emphasized that good governance means responsive and effective administration. “The trust that the public has placed in us must be strengthened further,” he said. He appreciated the efforts of officials in resolving applications received during the Good Governance Festival and encouraged more frequent visits to rural areas to gain firsthand insights and improve administrative effectiveness.

“Ensure No One Faces Drinking Water Shortage During Summer”
Acknowledging the peak summer conditions, Mr. Sai instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply. He also ordered a robust action plan to prevent seasonal diseases and directed immediate response and treatment wherever outbreaks occur. He assured that there is no shortage of fertilizers or seeds in the state and emphasized that farmers must not face any difficulties in accessing them.

“Atal Digital Seva Kendra Must Run Smoothly”
Mr. Sai highlighted the importance of Atal Digital Seva Kendras as part of Prime Minister Modi’s guarantees. With 1,460 centers operational in the state, he called for regular oversight to ensure their proper functioning and added that 5,000 more centers would be opened in the next six months. By 24 April next year, every gram panchayat will have a fully functioning Atal Seva Kendra, he said, so that people don’t have to travel long distances for basic services.

He also noted the government’s 10 new revolutionary steps regarding land registry, including simplification of land donation processes, and directed that their benefits reach farmers and villagers. Incomplete PM Awas Yojana (housing) projects must be completed before the monsoon so that families can move into secure homes.

“Ensure Timely Wage Payments—Go Door to Door if Needed”
Expressing displeasure over delayed wage payments under government schemes, especially in Marwahi Forest Division, the CM ordered immediate disbursal—even if it required going to workers’ homes. He directed quick resolution of pending revenue cases in Bilaspur and called for constant monitoring of subordinate revenue officials, also instructing them not to call parties repeatedly for hearings.

He questioned the delay in implementing the PM Awas Yojana in the Achanakmar Reserve Area and directed that work be completed on time through coordination. He also suggested providing shuttering plate training to women’s groups to generate employment through housing projects.

Highlighting that over 5 lakh people in Bilaspur still lack Ayushman Health Cards, the CM reprimanded the CMHO and demanded faster card issuance. He reviewed progress on the SIMS Super Specialty Hospital in Bilaspur and instructed the district collector to explore the possibility of operating it under PPP mode and submit a detailed proposal.

“All Ponds Must Fill to Capacity During Monsoon”
Mr. Sai emphasized the need for water recharging efforts, praising successful initiatives in Rajnandgaon and calling for similar efforts in Bilaspur and nearby districts. He noted that many inflow channels to ponds are encroached, preventing proper water collection, and urged community participation to restore them. He instructed the Urban Development, Agriculture, and Panchayat Departments to create a joint action plan.

The Chief Minister expressed strong dissatisfaction over the slow progress of the Irrigation Department’s projects and instructed collectors to resolve the bottlenecks. He also directed the promotion of crop diversification with farmer consent.

In the meeting, Mr. Sai reviewed the displacement of villages within Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, reviewed the forest department’s presentation, and instructed that villagers be taken into confidence and the process completed on time. He also emphasized the development of eco-tourism in the reserve.

Present at the meeting were:
Union Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs Mr. Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Arun Saw, MLAs Mr. Dharamlal Kaushik and Mr. Punnulal Mohle, Zila Panchayat President Mr. Shrikant Pandey, Chief Secretary Mr. Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Subodh Kumar Singh, CM’s Secretary Mr. P. Dayanand, Commissioner Mr. Sunil Jain, as well as Collectors, SPs, DFOs, and departmental officials of all three districts.