Kota's surprise visit brings out misdeeds at taluk office

Minister orders action against absent officials

Minister for Ports, Muzrai and Inland Water Transport Kota Srinivas Poojary’s surprise visit to the Udupi taluk office seems to be an effort by him to confirm and verify the long-pending complaints over irregularities and apathy of the officials in distributing ration cards.

Speaking to officials on the occasion, the Minister expressed his concern, stating that the public should be given priority irrespective of the problems. People come almost all the days from distant areas and go back without any assurance from the officials’ side. Files should be disposed immediately.

Otherwise the officials should convince the applicants why delay in the disposal of their files. He added that there has been several complaints reported everyday regarding the delayed process followed, in issuing ration cards. He promised to hold talks with the Deputy Commissioner, on December 4 over the feasibilities of appointing additional staff and systems for the smooth conduct of the process.

The sudden visit of the Minister also brought out some of the major misdeeds in the office like officials remaining absent without any prior intimation. Seven of the officials from Land Revenue department have not signed in attendance register book. Two Shiresthedars also have not signed their regular register.

The minister directed Tahsildar Abhijin to immediately issue notice to these officials, demanding the clarification and he added actions will be taken on those officials who do not possess genuine reasons for remaining absent, he said.

District Food and Civil Supplies Deputy Director Arun Kumar said around 26,920 applications are received online seeking ration cards, of which 10,093 applications were rejected citing various reasons like photo duplication and also duplication of the applications. As many as 12,343 ration cards are issued and around 4,323 ration cards are printed and are yet to be distributed.

The Minister said that the Village Accountant should also be handed over certain responsibilities in case of follow up cases. He also said that Gram Panchayats coming under CMC limits should take responsibility in dispersing ration cards.

Tahsildar said corrections incorporating deletions and additions are made to around 8,128 ration cards till date in the taluk. Two counters are opened for the purpose. There are only two printers and also there is an urgent need for additional staff and computers. Kundapur Division Assistant Commissioner Sadhashiv Prabhu was present.