Bhubaneswar: IAS officers will be required to visit districts for at least two days every two months. They will inspect government schemes and programs at the panchayat level. They must also eat meals at midday meal centers in schools or food centers to assess quality. Additionally, they will stay overnight in the district, visit health centers and Anganwadi centers, and hold open discussions with beneficiaries. The government has issued strict directives to secretaries regarding this.
After the formation of the new government, efforts are being made to make governance more people-oriented. As part of this initiative, departmental secretaries are now required to visit districts. Ministers have also been assigned responsibilities for specific districts. However, it was observed that many officials did not follow these directives, prompting further instructions from the Development Commissioner.
Key Responsibilities of Officials:
- Panchayat Visits: Officials will visit panchayats, oversee ongoing projects, and assess developmental activities in remote and tribal areas. They will verify whether government schemes are reaching the people or if anyone is being deprived.
- Midday Meal Inspection: Officials will eat meals at orphanages or food centers to inspect food quality, hygiene, cleanliness, and safety standards.
- Overnight Stay: Officials must spend a night in the district and assess government schemes’ implementation.
Regular Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Reviews will be conducted on the progress of DSF (District Sector Funds) and OMBADC (Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation) projects.
- IAS officers have been explicitly instructed to conduct thorough evaluations of government programs and address public grievances effectively.
- The government aims to accelerate development and strengthen its connection with the people, making it necessary for officials to reach out directly. A detailed guideline has been issued for governance and coordination. High-ranking officials have been assigned 30 districts, ensuring systematic supervision.
Senior Officials Assigned to Districts:
In 16 districts, senior officers will inspect 29 aspirational blocks to assess investments in mining, infrastructure, ports, airports, industrial parks, medical colleges, and irrigation projects. During these district tours, officials will hold meetings with district collectors and senior officers to address issues and strategize development initiatives.
After the visits, officials must submit reports to the Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner for further action.
For February and March, the following senior officials have been assigned district responsibilities: