Thuamul Rampur: The Agriculture Department office in Thuamul Rampur block of Kalahandi district was found locked during working hours, leaving visitors without access to officials or services and raising questions over adherence to office timings in the remote area.
At about 11:20 am Thursday, the main gate and grill of the office were found locked, with no officer or employee present to open the premises. A geo-tagged photograph taken at 11:16 am also showed the office closed at the time.
Residents alleged that such irregularities have occurred repeatedly and claimed that the agriculture office often remains closed, with its functioning seemingly dependent on a single peon.
The closure has caused inconvenience to people who travel from distant areas to the office for government services, residents said. They urged the district administration to take immediate notice of the issue.
Block Agriculture Officer Rohit Raj Singh said the other officials may have been away on field visits or engaged in farmer registration work. He also cited rainfall as a possible reason for the office remaining closed.
Singh said his regular posting is in Bhawanipatna, but he was deputed to Thuamul Rampur because there was no agriculture officer or additional agriculture officer posted in the block.
He said he is currently responsible for Thuamul Rampur as well as three other offices, making it difficult to remain at the block office throughout the day.
Singh said an agriculture officer, Shriya Suman, has now been posted to the block but is currently undergoing training. He is continuing to look after the office until she returns, and its functioning will improve once she takes charge, he added.
The alleged closure during working hours has triggered dissatisfaction among locals, who have sought action against officials and employees found neglecting their duties. They also demanded measures to ensure the office opens on time and government services are delivered without disruption.