Cut red tape, minister tells district officials

VAPI: Valsad district authorities came under fire from revenue minister Anandiben Patel after she was flooded with a plethora complaints about rampant red tapism and delay in clearances of files due to emphasis on unnecessary procedures.
Patel, who was laid the foundation stones for new collector office and two Seva Sadan buildings in Pardi and Vapi, categorically asked the officials to expedite clearances and crack down on the menace of touts.
Several party workers and elected representatives of district panchayat apprised her about the burning issues that are resulting in delays.
"The practice of filing objections to projects by people not concerned with the work is rampant. People are also being blackmailed many times by such elements," said Rajen Rathod, member of district panchayat. Rathod also alleged that the administration is dealing fairly with the genuine applicants under influence of touts in all seva sadans.
The minister directed all the officials to collect, inspect and take action if objections filed in the last two years are done with intention to harm the interest of applicants. She also asked all heads of departments to inspect the movements of touts using CCTV surveillance system every 15 days.
"The minister has also asked officials to approach genuine applicants directly and clear the works that don't require much procedures or visits," said an official.
KN Shah, RTI activist and social worker in Valsad, however, said, "Such verbal directions will not bear the desired results unless ministers responsible conduct surprise inspection or audit of public services of administration."