TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 20, 2025: In a firm demonstration of accountability during Sushasan Tihar, Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai took decisive action against officers found negligent in their duties in Mungeli and Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) districts.
The Chief Minister ordered the immediate suspension of R.K. Mishra, Executive Engineer of the Mungeli Water Resources Department, citing years of incomplete irrigation projects such as the Maniyari and Patharia reservoirs as evidence of negligence. Additionally, Jagdish Kumar Shastri, District Education Officer of GPM district, was removed from his post due to the district’s extremely poor performance in recent board examinations, highlighting systemic flaws in education management.
This strict stance signals an end to laxity and evasion of responsibility in government work, with Shri Sai emphasizing that such negligence will no longer be tolerated. The orders were issued during a scheme implementation review meeting held at the Mungeli Collectorate, also covering Bilaspur district.
Officials urged to increase rural outreach
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of good governance and strengthening public trust. Praising the progress made during Sushasan Tihar in addressing public grievances, he instructed officials to increase visits to rural areas to gain firsthand knowledge and ensure tighter administration.
Ensuring drinking water and disease prevention during summer
With summer at its peak, CM Sai underscored the urgency of preventing drinking water shortages. Officials were directed to prioritize water supply and prepare robust plans to prevent seasonal diseases. Rapid response teams must be ready to address any outbreaks immediately. He reassured farmers about sufficient availability of fertilizers and seeds.
Expanding Atal Digital Seva Kendras for better access
Highlighting the importance of digital services under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the Chief Minister noted that 1,460 Atal Digital Seva Kendras are currently operational, with another 5,000 planned in the next six months. He called on district collectors to ensure these centers function smoothly, enabling villagers to access services without long travel.
Urgent settlement of pending wages and revenue cases
Expressing displeasure over delayed wage payments, especially in the Marwahi Forest Division, Shri Sai directed officials to make payments directly at workers’ homes. He also ordered campaigns to resolve numerous pending revenue cases in Bilaspur with minimal inconvenience to citizens.
Focus on housing and infrastructure development
The Chief Minister called for accelerated completion of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana projects before the monsoon to provide permanent homes. He also encouraged training women in centering plate work to boost employment under the housing scheme.
Water conservation and pond recharging a priority
With the rainy season approaching, CM Sai stressed the need to remove encroachments and ensure all ponds fill to capacity. He directed Urban Development, Agriculture, and Panchayat departments to jointly prepare an action plan to support water recharging efforts, following the successful example of Rajnandgaon.
Additional directives and observations
The Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of irrigation projects and ordered collectors to remove obstacles. He urged farmers to adopt new crop cycles with government support. He reviewed plans for the relocation of villagers affected by the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, emphasizing timely completion and community engagement, while also pushing for tourism development in the area.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Saw, MLAs Dharamlal Kaushik and Punnulal Mohle, District Panchayat Chairman Shrikant Pandey, Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, other senior officials, and departmental officers from the districts concerned.
