Karnataka CM gives "dressing down" to bureaucrats
Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda today took bureaucrats to task for tardy progress in implementation of government programmes and appeared to give them "zero mark" in a tough talk.
Addressing a meeting with secretaries of government departments, including those who are in-charge of districts, Gowda who assumed charge five months ago, pointed out that though Rs 920 crore funding was available for rural drinking water and sanitation in the current fiscal, both from the State and central sources, only Rs 250 crore had been spent.
"It's unfortunate that money was spent below expectations despite the availability of grants", he said. "Under rural drinking water and sanitation programme, there should be 100 per cent achievement. This is a matter of priority".
"In majority of the departments, expected progress is not seen in planned programmes.We have entered the last quarter (of the financial year).In most of the departments,achievement is to the tune of 50 to 60 per cent. If the achievement is below 70 per cent, it has to be considered as only zero." Noting that there have been allegations against some of the Government departments, Gowda said their secretaries have not issued clarifications to the media denying the charges, an act which is likely to be construed that they were true.
"Except two-three departments, others have not paid attention (to allegations in the media about them)", he said. "Why do you keep quiet when allegations are levelled against the department. It's an insult to you. I can't tolerate (your act on not denying the charges and setting the record straight)". He also said there have been complaints vis-a-vis shortcomings in social security pensions attracting public ire.
Secretaries had been directed to visit districts and conduct review meetings once in 15 days. "Some have followed it.Some have not t taken it seriously. It's unpardonable".
He urged officials to speed up implementation of government programmes and tone up the administration to live up to people's expectations.
