TV
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi delivered a firm message to district-level development officers, cautioning them against clinging to outdated practices and political loyalties.
Addressing a two-day state-level conference of Chief Development Officers (CDOs) and Block Development Officers (BDOs) in Bhubaneswar, the CM made it clear that inefficiency and partiality will no longer be tolerated.
Majhi, in his address, asserted that officers failing to ‘shed old habits’ will not be forgiven. Though he did not name the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) directly, his message was widely interpreted as a call for officers to break free from past political affiliations and loyalties.
“You have been given ample power and autonomy, now to use it for the people, not under pressure from anyone,” Majhi said. “I have come from the grassroots levels, but officers must not mistake my simplicity for leniency. I will be very stern with those who do not adhere to discipline,” he asserted.
BDOs to Face Accountability Through District Reports
In a significant shift, the Chief Minister announced that performance evaluation of BDOs will now be routed through the respective District Collectors.
Officers with poor performance records will be flagged and not retained. This move, he said, was aimed at fostering greater accountability and ensuring that grassroots development is carried out efficiently.
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Respect for Public Representatives is Non-Negotiable
Majhi also expressed concern over reports that some officers were not maintaining cordial relations with MLAs and elected representatives. He stated the importance of mutual respect in governance and directed officers to treat public representatives with due honour.
“Frequent complaints of BDOs disrespecting elected leaders will not be ignored,” he warned.
Focus on People-Centric Governance
Reiterating the role of development officers as public servants, the CM urged them to work with empathy and solve people’s grievances.
In his speech, he also issued a clear instruction regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and stated that machines should be replaced with manual labourers to boost rural employment.
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“This government stands for transparency, efficiency, and service to the people. Officers who align with this vision will be supported, others will be shown the door,” Majhi concluded.
