Bhubaneswar: In a tough warning to development officers in districts and blocks, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday asked them to adopt new work culture instead of clinging to old political loyalties and working under pressure.
Speaking at a two-day conference of Chief Development Officers (CDOs) and Block Development Officers (BDOs) in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister made it clear that corruption, inefficiency and partiality will not be tolerated anymore.
Asking officers to change their mindset and work culture adopted during the previous BJD government, he warned that those failing to ‘shed old habits’ will not be forgiven. He said that officers must get rid of past political affiliations and loyalties.
Noting that officers in the state have been given ample power and autonomy, Majhi said they must use it for serving the people and stop working under pressure.
Stating that he has come from the grassroots levels, the Chief Minister said officers must not mistake his simplicity for weakness or leniency. “I will be very tough with those who fail to adhere to discipline,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced that performance evaluation of BDOs will now be routed through the respective District Collectors.
Stating that Officers with poor performance will be shown the door, he said the move is aimed at ensuring greater accountability and efficiency.
Noting that some officers do not maintain cordial relations with elected representatives, Majhi said the there should be mutual respect in governance and officers should treat public representatives with due honour.
Highlighting the role of development officers as public servants, the Chief Minister asked them to work with empathy and solve people’s grievances.
Referring to the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the CM said steps must be taken to replace machines replaced with manual labourers to boost rural employment.
