Collector Keshav Patil’s push for accountable governance

Nagarkurnool: Completing six months in office, Nagarkurnool Collector Hemanta Keshav Patil has initiated several changes in the district administration with his distinctive style of functioning. Giving priority to discipline, punctuality, transparency, and accountability, he has adopted a firm approach towards employees and officials who neglect their duties.

In this regard, the suspension of more than 20 employees and officials for negligence in the discharge of their duties during the past six months has become a significant aspect of his administration. The action reportedly covered personnel ranging from lower-level staff to senior officials.

Earlier, people visiting the Collectorate with grievances often faced difficulties in meeting officials. Questions were also raised over the attendance of employees and officials, particularly on Saturdays. However, the Collector’s special focus on attendance and work discipline has brought a visible change in the functioning of the Collectorate. Patil has directed officials to resolve grievances received through Prajavani without unnecessary delay. He is also focusing on clearing pending files and ensuring accountability in addressing public complaints.

Notably, the is encouraging paperless administration through the e-Office system to speed up file processing and reduce delays. Face Recognition System (FRS) attendance implementation across various departments has reportedly achieved around 90 per cent progress. Field inspections have emerged as another notable feature of the Collector’s working style. He undertakes visits from early morning to review the implementation of government schemes, assess the services reaching beneficiaries and identify problems at the ground level. Instead of relying solely on official reports, he seeks to understand actual conditions through direct inspections and initiate corrective measures wherever necessary.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jayaprasad Sagar

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