Bhubaneswar: After the Panchayati Raj department, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Monday directed Collectors to maintain ‘zero tolerance’ vis-à-vis corruption in delivery of public services
Revenue and disaster management secretary CS Kumar has written to all collectors in this regard, official sources said Monday. Kumar asked the collectors to issue necessary instructions to tehsildars and revenue inspectors (RIs) working under their jurisdiction to maintain transparency for delivery of public services.
“The collectors are hereby advised to sensitise officials dealing with public services relating to revenue and disaster management department, to deliver such services in the most-transparent and hassle-free manner, strictly following the provisions of the Acts & Rules and the guidelines issued by the government. Zero tolerance should be the norm as and when illegal gratification in any manner is noticed,” Kumar said in his letter to collectors.
He called for delivery of public services on prescribed time limit as per the Orissa Right to Public Service (ORTPS) Act and Rules.
As per the provisions of the ORTPS Act and Rules, the designated officers must give acknowledgement of receipt and display information relating to public services, the documents to be enclosed with the application and give the time-limit for delivery of each service in the notice board.
“While ensuring compliance of the above provisions, the designated officers must also display on the notice board the required amount of user-fee to be paid for each service separately so that the citizens are not to be forced to pay any extra amount over and above the prescribed user fees,” the secretary instructed.
The revenue secretary also pointed out that a large number of e-Abhijogs (online complaint) are being received through e-Abhijoga portal as well as on the grievance day regarding delay in disposal of mutation, conversion and other revenue cases. Grievance petitions received from the office of Chief Minister, ministers, Chief Secretary and other quarters are forwarded to collectors for redressal and submission of compliance report.
However, it appears that priority is not being given by the district administration for timely disposal of such grievances, he said, adding, “The district administration needs to be more responsive and proactive towards timely disposal of grievances on delivery of public services to ensure good governance.”
Earlier, chief secretary AP Padhi had written to all collectors asking them to maintain ‘zero tolerance’ towards corruption in implementation of rural housing schemes. He also asked the collectors to file FIR against the irate officials.
The vigilance wing has also opened several helpline numbers for lodging complaints against receipt of bribes and gratifications relating to the rural housing scheme.
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