Balasore: With 42 per cent posts in most departments in this district lying vacant for a long period, several development projects of the government are not being implement successfully. Lakhs of rupees have already been sanctioned for the projects.
Both the Central and state governments are laying emphasis on rural development. As a result, panchayats are receiving funds worth crores of rupees every year to carry out various developmental projects. The panchayat executive officers (PEO) are responsible for ensuring successful implementation of those. But many PEO posts are lying vacant in the district, affecting the projects.
There are 360 panchayats in the district. Of them, 138 panchayats don’t have PEOs. Since the posts are not being filled up, one PEO has to manage work in two to three panchayats. It is learnt that in some cases, the gram rozgar sevaks (GRSs) are also managing the show. They look after the panchayat’s development.
Similarly, the most important department – the Revenue department – is also running on 50 per cent strength. The number of sanctioned posts in this department is 420. But it has only 210 officers and staff. The posts of five officers, nine senior assistants, 106 junior assistants, 38 RIs, 25 ARIs, 41 amins and 24 drivers are presently lying vacant. This apart, post of eight additional tehsildars, three deputy collectors and two assistant collectors are also vacant.
Due to this acute staff shortage, it is the common people who are facing problems. It has been alleged that people from far and near visit the RI and tehsil offices for their requirements. However, most of the times, they have to returned empty-handed due to the absence of officers. If one is lucky, then that person may achieve his goals, but even then it will take more than a week.
In order to provide immediate services related to the Revenue department, 45 new RI circles have been opened recently. With this, the total number of RI circles in the district has gone up to 130. But, people ask how these RIs will deliver services without any new appointment.
For the successful implementation of government projects, the vacant posts should be filled up, people observed.
When contacted, ADM Nilu Mohapatra said that the government has already been informed about the posts of officers and staff lying vacant in the district. “The process of appointment of RIs in newly opened revenue circles has been started. The examinations conducted for the same is over. The result will be out November 1 and subsequently the new RIs will be appointed,” he informed.
