You aren’t maharajas but public servants, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah tells DCs

BENGALURU: Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday chastised officials for not prioritising public service, while insisting development and progress would be unattainable if district deputy commissioners (DCs) assume the role of ‘maharajas’.
At a review meeting of DCs, chief executive officers, and secretaries in charge, Siddaramaiah stressed the need for proactive and coordinated efforts to deliver govt programmes effectively to people.“Only then can govt benefits reach people,” he said.
Referring to historical fig ures, Siddaramaiah said, “Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Gaikwad, Shahu Maharaja, etc., would not have been known as good kings without the advice of an officer named Fraser. An officer named Munro was the collector in Ballari. Even today, people name their children after him. We should work knowing we are public servants. Only then will people get good governance.”
He expressed frustration over his Janaspandana programme receiving 15,000-20,000 petitions. “If you work properly at the local level, why will so many people come to me? Are DCs and CEOs here to forward applications to the Janaspandana programme and wash their hands off issues? Who will resolve them?” he asked.
He also chastised officials for not directly meeting people. “My instruction that officials must stay where they are posted on duty is not being followed properly. Panchayat development officers and village accountants should remain at their place of work. DCs and CEOs should ensure this,” he said.
Highlighting the backlog in various courts, Siddaramaiah said 8,234 cases are pending in tahsildar courts, 37,587 RRT (change of title) cases are pending with assistant commissioners, with 7,522 cases being over five years old. Additionally, 10,838 cases are pending with DCs, with 4,207 cases over five years old. “What instructions can you give to ACs and tahsildars if DCs have a backlog?” he asked.