MUMBAI: The number of ordinary citizens visiting Mantralaya seeking redress of grievances must reduce, said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in his first meeting with senior bureaucrats while urging them to improve services.
On Monday, Fadnavis called a meeting of secretaries, principal secretaries, additional chief secretaries, and the chief secretary to impress upon them the need to hasten the pace of digitisation, integrating the Right to Services Act with the Aaple Sarkar portal to ensure timely and efficient service delivery. Fadnavis also announced the setting up of a committee of retired bureaucrats to recommend measures to simplify processes and reduce the need for physical presence.
Similarly, while speaking on a resolution to congratulate the newly elected Speaker, Fadnavis told Rahul Narwekar to limit crowding in the legislature premises, but for a different reason.
CM Devendra Fadnavis requested Speaker Rahul Narwekar to limit crowding in the legislature premises. “What I say now might not be appreciated by some of the MLAs. But it has to be said. We’ve observed in the last few years that with every MLA, come 20-25 people… I don’t want to use this word, but I can’t find a better word…these premises should not turn into a bazaar,” Fadnavis said and requested Narwekar to take measures to control crowds.
In a meeting of bureaucrats, he said: “People coming to Mantralaya (the state’s administrative HQ) is a sign that the govt is not working at the local level.” Fadnavis said there must be rationalisation of documents required for various govt services and minimisation of bureaucratic hurdles. Sources added a comprehensive audit of the portal which provides access to various govt services will also be undertaken.
While laying out steps to reform govt processes, he told bureaucrats to “simplify certificate issuance procedures, implement online application and delivery mechanisms.”
The CM also ordered initiation of recruitment of 1.5 lakh new employees with a timeline and selection criteria. “Address the backlog of pending promotions, develop a comprehensive training module for new recruits and existing staff focusing on procedures, domain knowledge, and technology adoption,” was the message. Fadnavis said there must be a systematic approach to address staff grievances as well.
Sources said the CM made it clear that bureaucrats would have to spend more time in the field. “Develop a detailed schedule for guardian secretary visits to districts, strengthen district-level coordination mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of govt programmes and initiatives,” he was quoted saying.
He also directed the creation of a dedicated PMO communication cell in each dept in the next 30 days and a tracking system for central proposals in coordination with Maharashtra Sadan, which acts as the state’s liaison office in Delhi. He said central govt funds were available and there was a need for a centralised system for monitoring welfare scheme proposals.
He also directed operationalising two dedicated war rooms: one for infrastructure and the other for flagship programmes. The war room for infrastructure is to be made ready by Decemberend, said Fadnavis.
The chife minister said technology must be leveraged and said the balance 10% of the Mahanet project, a fibre optic network which connects gram panchayats, be completed.
Fadnavis further called for implementation of fibre connectivity to Anganwadis, a single portal architecture for all Mahamandals and boards, streamlining scheme implementation, and improving access for citizens.