Chief Minister pulls up ASR officials over poor public services

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday pulled up officials in Alluri Sitharama Raju district over poor performance in several departments and directed them to improve the delivery of services within a month.

Reviewing the performance of government services at a public meeting, Mr. Naidu referred to the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) reports and said public feedback indicated that several services in the district were performing poorly and lagging behind the State average.

Street lighting, pothole-ridden roads, pensions, SERP, APSRTC bus stations, irrigation, electricity, sanitation and maintenance of tribal welfare hostels were among the areas that received poor ratings from the public.

Mr. Naidu said officials had done well in controlling ganja in the district, but expressed concern over the reported increase in crimes against women. He sought details from the police on the measures being taken to prevent such offences.

He also expressed displeasure over poor monitoring of pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under the Anganwadi system. He found the performance of several Primary Health Centres (PHCs) unsatisfactory.

“I am talking about using drones to improve medical services, while you are being negligent in hospitals. This is not acceptable,” he told the officials.

Mr. Naidu said the RTGS reports showed that sanitation in tribal welfare hostels was particularly poor.

“ASR is a beautiful place. If you maintain beautiful campuses, it will motivate students. But what have you been doing?” he asked.

He appreciated the Transport, Tourism and Sports Departments for their better performance.

As he went through the various categories, people at the meeting said several departments, particularly those dealing with potholes, Anganwadis and PHCs, were performing poorly.

“I have conducted reviews at many meetings, but I have never seen such a response from people,” Mr. Naidu remarked.

Addressing Collector T. Nishanthi, Mr. Naidu said, “You are young and should take responsibility. You have to be strong. If you are soft, officials will take you for granted. If necessary, crack the whip.”