Accountability, Teamwork and Transparency will determine the path of development - Mr. Sonmani Bora

Raipur. Principal Secretary of the Urban Administration and Development Department and in-charge Secretary of Durg district, Mr. Sonmani Bora, reviewed the progress of development works and schemes by holding a meeting of officials at the Durg district headquarters today. He reviewed the progress of development schemes, construction works and public welfare programs being run in the district along with the availability of basic facilities like electricity, water, housing, health and education. He instructed all departments to work with transparency, timeliness, honesty and accountability.

In the meeting, Principal Secretary Mr. Bora told the officials that all departments should work in mutual coordination for the overall development of the district, so that the benefits of government schemes reach the last person in society. He asked to increase the use of modern technology and equipment in administrative tasks and to keep human sensibilities and public interest paramount.

Instructions for speedy resolution of housing and revenue cases

District in-charge Secretary Mr. Bora instructed to expedite the resolution of pending cases under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and to provide land leases and other necessary documents to eligible beneficiaries on time. He reviewed the progress of works being carried out under MNREGA and BBGRY in rural areas. He asked to prioritize the completion of basic facilities including toilets for girls in Anganwadi centers and schools in rural and urban areas. He instructed to ensure speedy and transparent resolution of mutation, partition and other revenue cases in Tehsils and Gram Panchayats, especially those pending for more than a year. He instructed to increase coordination between the Zila Panchayat and urban local bodies and to organize study tours and cross-learning visits for officers and employees.

Emphasis on better facilities and quality education in schools

During the review of the Forest Department, information was given about innovations such as plantation at Swami Atmanand Model College, Bori, and the establishment of Nagar Van and Herbal Garden in Tandula Park. The in-charge Secretary instructed the District Education Officer to ensure cleanliness, drinking water, electricity supply, dustbins and garden arrangements in PM Shri and other excellent schools. He asked to pay special attention to providing quality education to eligible poor children under the Right to Education Act (RTE).

Asked to improve facilities in night shelters

Principal Secretary Mr. Bora instructed to expedite the process of making cards for elderly people above 70 years of age under the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana, so that they can get cashless treatment facility. Along with this, the ongoing investigation and treatment works under the leprosy, sickle cell and TB-free campaign were reviewed. In-charge Secretary Mr. Bora instructed the Municipal Commissioners to improve the facilities in night shelters and to ensure basic facilities such as community halls, benches for the elderly, parks for children and better drainage systems in urban Pradhan Mantri Awas areas. Mr. Bora also reviewed the progress of road construction and infrastructure development projects in the meeting.

Forest Divisional Officer Mr. C.P. Agrawal, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Vijay Agrawal, ADM Mr. Virendra Singh, Commissioner of Bhilai Municipal Corporation Ms. Suruchi Singh, Commissioner of Durg Municipal Corporation Ms. Leena Kosam, Commissioner of Risali Municipal Corporation Mrs. Monika Verma and Additional Director of Urban Administration and Development Department Mr. Pulak Bhattacharya, along with officers from various departments, were present in the meeting.

Narcotics control also reviewed

While reviewing narcotics control, Durg district in-charge Secretary Mr. Sonmani Bora reviewed data related to NDPS cases, seizure of narcotic substances and road accidents. He instructed to effectively curb the illegal trade of narcotic substances, identify the smuggling network and take strict action, and to run a comprehensive public awareness campaign to keep youth away from drugs.

Superintendent of Police Mr. Vijay Agrawal informed in the meeting that last year 107 actions were taken under NDPS, while this year this number has increased to 157. Similarly, the number of arrested accused has increased from 262 to 330. The value of seized narcotic substances has also increased from Rs 1.40 crore last year to Rs 10.88 crore this year. He said that effective action is being taken against the network supplying narcotic substances after identifying them. Surveillance has been increased on illegal drug trade in some localities of Bhilai-Durg area and sensitive areas of Kumhari.

Principal Secretary Mr. Bora instructed to increase awareness about the ill effects of drugs in schools, colleges and vocational institutions and to promote the toll-free number 1933. He emphasized on disseminating information about the ill effects and preventive measures of drugs to the general public through painting competitions, street plays and other public participation-based activities. He also highlighted the need to provide treatment, rehabilitation and timely counseling facilities to those caught in the grip of addiction. The meeting also discussed the prevention of road accidents and strengthening emergency services in accident-prone areas.