Surat : TDOs Enjoying Luxurious Facilities, violates Government circular

Surat : In a blatant violation of a circular issued by the Development Commissioner of the Government of Gujarat on January 1, 2020, Taluka Development Officers (TDOs) falling under Category 1 and Category 2 of government employees in Surat district are allegedly continuing to operate from air-conditioned offices and travel in air-conditioned cars.

The negligence of the District Development Officer (DDO) in Surat in implementing the circular has drawn the attention of Darshan Naik, General Secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC). Naik has written a letter to the Development Commissioner, demanding a departmental inquiry into the matter.

The circular, which aimed to address the issue of excessive privileges enjoyed by certain officials, explicitly stated that officials in Category 1 and Category 2 have made arrangements in their offices that they are not entitled to under the rules. The circular specifically highlighted the use of air-conditioned chambers and vehicles as unauthorized facilities. While some officials bear the expense of these amenities themselves to avoid disputes, it ultimately leads to an additional burden on the government in terms of electricity bills and fuel costs. It is essential for officers to only enjoy facilities that they are entitled to.

The circular instructed all District Development Officers to ensure that all officers of the Panchayat system in their districts remove air-conditioners from their chambers and vehicles within 15 days. In cases where the facilities were provided at the government’s expense, steps were to be taken to recover the funds from the concerned authorities. The additional electricity bills and petrol/diesel costs incurred due to such facilities were to be estimated and recovered from those who availed themselves of the amenities. The deadline for compliance and reporting was set for January 31, 2020.

Expressing concern over the violation of the circular, Naik emphasized the responsibility of the DDO, Surat  in ensuring its implementation. He pointed out that the TDO chambers in Olpad, Choryasi, Mangarol, Mandvi, Palsana, Kamrej, and Bardoli talukas in Surat district are still equipped with air-conditioning despite the government circular. Naik raised questions regarding the expenses incurred and demanded an investigation into who is paying the electricity bills for these unauthorized amenities.

The GPCC’s demand for a departmental inquiry seeks to address the apparent non-compliance with the circular and the negligence of the District Development Officer. It aims to hold accountable those responsible for enjoying luxurious facilities that go against the established rules and regulations. It is imperative that government officials adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Development Commissioner to ensure transparency, fairness, and responsible use of public resources.