RV Deshpande to babus: Work with commitment, if you can’t, quit

Mysuru: Veteran politician and Revenue Minister R.V. Deshpande doled out lessons to officers in Mysuru district on how to function during his review meeting on drought on Thursday.

He also declared that he would give letters complimenting officers who do well.

“Be humane and liberal while addressing problems of calamity victims and tribal issues. Work with commitment, if you can’t do it, quit. Officers are custodians of government property,” he said.

When an officer claimed he had visited the spot related to a problem, the minister retorted, “Don’t lie (burde bidbedi), you don't even visit places where people suffer losses. Have place for the poor in your heart. When people come to you, place extra chairs in front of your table to sit and talk to them.”

 On another issue he told Mysuru Deputy Commissioner Abhiram Shankar, “If officers do not cooperate, write to them and get them transferred. If an officer is repeatedly delaying things, look for someone else. Justice delayed is justice denied. People should not be harassed,” the revenue minister said.

While reviewing work related to drinking water, Mr Deshpande told Mysuru city corporation commissioner, Ms Shilpa Nag, “You should do such good work so that people  want to have you here for another three years.”

He told another officer, “I know some of you have the blessings (of local politicians). Though it has been two years since the project to lay a pipeline to Chamundi hills to provide drinking water, was approved, the officers waited for clearance of the forest department. You don't need permission from the forest department for laying water pipelines,” the minister said.

Mr Deshpande also said that Mysuru being a city known for its heritage and cleanliness, people should be involved in keeping the charm of the city alive.
There has to be a ward-wise Swachchatha Andolan and encroachment of storm water drains should be stopped to avoid floods, the revenue minister said.