Chennai: Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam has written to all the district collectors urging them to "frequently visit the villages to meet people and redress their grievances effectively" in a mass contact programme revitalised to meet their needs. " You will appreciate that even after many years of independence, a large number of families not possessing family card, Aadhaar card, bank account or living in huts doesn't speak well of our efficiency in service delivery and on equity", he said in his letter on Wednesday.
"The maintenance of law and public order is an uncompromisable priority of the Government and efficient delivery of various schemes and developmental programmes are vital for better public service delivery and inclusive development", said the CS, pointing out that the Col-lectors "are the eyes and ears of the State administration, playing a pivotal role in implementing such schemes as well as providing the policy makers with the apt feedback on the needs of the people".
"As the rising tides lift all boats, overall economic development alone can bring in a better socio-economic upliftment of the poor. Hence, Collectors should attach top most priority to assess the status of the district in various socio-economic indicators like per capita income, poverty ratio, health and education indicators, employment and gender equity", said the CS.
He said higher focus should be provided on the indicators under Sustainable Development Goals and work towards improving the district under these indicators. "But rising tides may not lift all boats and this is where I look forward to your personal focus on the underprivileged and those are the majority of our society", the CS exhorted the Collectors.
The CS also expressed concern that the fortnightly confidential report was not being sent by some of the Collectors. “I am confident that you will rise up to the occasion and keeping your integrity beyond doubt.”
, put your best efforts possible in serving the public, particularly the poor and downtrodden better", he said.
