In a firm address to government officials, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has made it clear that the Andhra Pradesh administration will not tolerate any lapses in responsibility or negligence in duties. Speaking at a review meeting in Visakhapatnam, Kalyan emphasized that strict action would be taken against those who fail to achieve set targets or show carelessness in their work.
Transforming Panchayat Raj into an Efficient System
The deputy chief minister stated that the government is working with a clear goal: to transform the Panchayat Raj department into an efficient system that ensures transparency and accountability at every step. He highlighted that while the government is supporting employees in all possible ways, it expects them to work with the same integrity and accountability in return.
Everyone must work without leaving room for negligence or corruption, Kalyan added, urging officials to carry out their responsibilities diligently. This, he said, is crucial to ensure that the benefits intended by the government actually reach the people on the ground.
Review Meeting Focuses on Key Schemes
Pawan Kalyan held a comprehensive review meeting with the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, along with the Rural Water Supply Division of the North Andhra districts, on Friday. During the session, he reviewed progress under several important schemes, including:
- Palle Panduga 1.0 and 2.0
- Adavi Thalli Bata
- Jal Jeevan Mission
He sought detailed explanations from officials on whether last year's targets were achieved, and if not, the reasons for the shortfall. "I do not need applause or praise—only results," Kalyan asserted, stressing that everyone from senior officials to field assistants must work with dedication.
No Tolerance for Misuse of Funds or Negligence
The deputy CM was particularly stern about the implementation of the Employment Guarantee Scheme and the Jal Jeevan Mission. "We will not tolerate negligence or misuse of funds in these works," he warned. He insisted that social audits must be conducted properly, not as a mere formality, and that development benefits must reach every individual at the field level.
Kalyan also alleged that the previous government had severely weakened the Panchayati Raj system, leaving no scope for self-governance. He accused them of diverting funds recklessly without financial discipline and undermining the goals of the Jal Jeevan Mission. According to him, around Rs 4,000 crore was misused, with pipes laid in fragments without meeting targets and many works left incomplete. "Records indicated work was done, but there was no evidence of water supply to even a single house," he claimed.
Reforms and Promotions to Strengthen the Department
In a bid to strengthen the Panchayati Raj Department, the government is implementing several reforms. Kalyan announced that long-pending promotions have been cleared without any irregularities, granting promotions to 10,000 employees at once. "This reflects our integrity and commitment to supporting our workforce," he said.
He also assured that there would be no political pressure or recommendations from his side, and warned against officials maintaining links with former leaders from the previous regime. "Some officials who worked under the previous government are still showing negligence in implementing current policies. This will not be tolerated," he emphasized.
Key Participants in the Review Meeting
The review meeting saw participation from several key figures, including:
- Visakhapatnam South MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivas Yadav
- Employment Guarantee Scheme Director Shanmukh Kumar
- Visakhapatnam Collector Harindraprasad
- State and district-level officials from the Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, Engineering, and Rural Water Supply divisions
This gathering underscored the government's serious approach to ensuring accountability and efficiency in rural development initiatives across Andhra Pradesh.
