Hans News Service Belagavi

KarnatakaChief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday delivered a strong message on administrative accountability, public service and governance, warning that dereliction of duty by government officials would not be tolerated.

Addressing the Belagavi Divisional Progress Review Meeting at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to development, transparency and administrative discipline while ensuring that governance reaches the doorstep of every citizen. “People have elected us to govern. It is now our responsibility to take the government to their doorsteps. Public service is the true duty of administration,” Shivakumar said.

He reminded officials that while elected representatives seek a public mandate once every five years, civil servants are accountable to the people every single day. “Failure to discharge one’s duties is not merely an administrative lapse; it is a betrayal of public trust,” he said.

Emphasising discipline within the administration, Shivakumar warned that officials found using mobile phones during official review meetings would face immediate suspension. “If any officer is seen talking on a mobile phone during the meeting, the suspension order will be ready before the meeting concludes. Discipline is the first rule of administration,” he said.

The Chief Minister directed district and taluk-level officials to reside within their respective jurisdictions and remain accessible to the public. “Officials should be among the people, not confined within office walls. Citizens should not be forced to move from one office to another for minor issues. Problems must be resolved at the local level wherever possible,” he said.

He also instructed senior district officials to maintain daily records of field visits and the work carried out by subordinate officers. “Good governance is measured by effective field administration. Every official’s field visits and grievance redressal efforts must be monitored regularly,” he added.

Focus on citizen-centric governance

Shivakumar directed officials to strengthen the functioning of the Praja Seva Department, established to ensure faster resolution of public grievances. He said ministers, legislators and officials should proactively engage with citizens, adopting the government’s Janaspandana model to resolve grievances promptly within the framework of the law. The Chief Minister stressed that future urban expansion must be scientific and well-planned.

“There will be no room for unplanned layouts. Cities and towns must be developed keeping the needs of future generations in mind, and government policies must be implemented in both letter and spirit,” he said.

E-Khata expansion across Karnataka

Highlighting reforms in the Revenue Department, Shivakumar described the state’s e-Khata initiative as a model for the country. “The system delivers e-Khata services to citizens without any additional cost. It will now be expanded beyond Bengaluru to every district in Karnataka,” he said.

Announcing new initiatives in the education sector, the Chief Minister said the government would establish CSR Schools on the lines of the successful KPS Schools model to improve educational opportunities for rural students.

He said the government aims to develop 10 to 20 high-quality schools in every constituency through partnerships with industry under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. To improve employment opportunities for young people, Shivakumar announced the launch of the Yuva Udyoga Setu programme, which will connect students and job seekers with opportunities in the private sector.

On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Chief Minister said the exercise must remain free from political interference. “Every eligible citizen’s right to vote must be protected. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) should visit every household at least three times, and no eligible voter should be left out,” he said. He also announced plans to establish 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas across Karnataka, with each organisation receiving Rs 10 lakh in government assistance to promote constitutional values, communal harmony and the message of universal brotherhood inspired by poet Kuvempu.

Statewide audit of government land

The Chief Minister directed officials to conduct a comprehensive audit of government land across the state. “The government must have accurate records of every inch of public land.

A major programme to provide house sites to landless families will be launched soon,” he said. Reiterating his government’s priorities, Shivakumar said development, transparency and discipline would remain thethree guiding principles of the administration.