Corruption won’t be tolerated: CM

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday asked the district collectors to keep themselves away from the “shadow of corruption” and made it clear that he would not tolerate if the government’s image is tarnished by unethical practices. Addressing the two-day annual District Collector-SP joint conference here, he issued several instructions to the district collectors with a strong warning on corruption.

“The State government will certainly provide all support to district collectors, but will not tolerate corruption, negligence and inefficiencies. I will not tolerate it at all if the government’s image is tarnished due to the corrupt practice of officers at whatever level,” Majhi said. “It has been noticed that some young officers and toppers of UPSC and OPSC indulged in corruption, notwithstanding their long career ahead. Our government adopts zero tolerance towards corruption,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that the State’s anti-corruption Vigilance wing is in “super active” mode and doing its best to eliminate corruption. “Please keep yourself away from the shadow of corruption,” Majhi said.

While expressing concern over the reports of “irregular” trade of minor minerals across the State, the Chief Minister asked the district collectors to treat such incidents as “organised crimes” and take strong action against the offenders. “Use modern technology like drone to regularise the trade on minor minerals in the State,” he suggested.

Majhi said the district collector will be held accountable if any person dies due to consumption of illicit liquor or hooch tragedy. “We have zero tolerance on the illegal liquor trade. If any person dies by consuming illicit liquor, the Collector and the SP of the district will be held responsible. They must enforce law along with the officials of Excise department,” the Chief Minister said.

Majhi said the State government has launched a mission under which the people across the country will have access to drinking water, electricity and roads. “Please write it down on your notebook that the mission must be accomplished by 2027. It is responsibility of the collectors to coordinate with all departments and implement the mission,” he said. He said the tribals, who constitute around 23 per cent of the State’s population, should get their rights and there should be no harassment of the community by forest officials.

The Chief Minister said the collectors have a big role to play in shaping the State’s economy and meeting its goal of becoming a “Viksit Odisha” by 2036.

“The State is now transforming from agricultural-based economy to a mixed economy. Therefore, the collectors have big roles in infusing new agriculture and diversification of crops and setting up industries across districts,” he said and expected that the district collectors will help facilitate industries in their regions. The Chief Minister urged the collectors to increase field visits, actively engage with citizens, and prioritise grievance redressal at the district level.

He also suggested that the district authorities should use technology for efficient administration and wider dissemination of government initiatives through social media.

Among other suggestions, the Chief Minister told collectors to ensure that Odia language is widely used in the administration and for publishing notices in Odia.

He asked them to spread government information widely through digital platforms, review and minimise outsourcing practices at State and district levels, show due respects to elected representatives visiting government offices and identify non-performing staff and replace them.