UP Jal Shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh (Pic credit: ANI)

LUCKNOW: To ensure improved tap water supply in rural areas and efficient implementation of related schemes, departmental officers will now stay overnight in the areas where they are posted. This move aims to enable immediate resolution of any issues and facilitate better monitoring of ongoing projects.These directives were issued by Jal Shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh during a review meeting on Tuesday. The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Jal Nigam (Rural).The minister instructed the Managing Director of Jal Nigam (Rural) Raj Shekhar to conduct surprise inspections to verify whether officers are indeed staying overnight at their designated locations. If any officer is found absent from their assigned area, strict action will be taken against them.Additionally, the minister directed all officers to collaborate with local public representatives to prepare a list of villages with complaints and take necessary steps to resolve the issues in those areas.

Officials and staff to undergo performance grading

During the review meeting, Jal Shakti Minister instructed that all officers and employees be graded based on their performance. He stated that those who receive good grades should be recognized and rewarded to encourage excellence. Conversely, those who receive poor grades should face disciplinary action.Furthermore, the minister emphasized that these performance grades will also be used as a basis for transfer and posting decisions of the officials and employees.

Yogi model sets national trend in rural water supply

Jal Shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh expressed satisfaction over the work being done under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Uttar Pradesh. He stated that the quality and timeliness with which tap water is being delivered to every household in the state is unmatched by any other state in the country.He highlighted that the Yogi Model of Jal Jeevan Mission is setting an example for the entire nation. Whether it’s the delivery of high-quality water supply, the use of solar energy in schemes, transparent payments through the EMB portal, or online monitoring via the SCADA system, Uttar Pradesh’s innovative practices are being adopted by other states.The review meeting was attended by minister of state for Jal Shakti Ramkesh Nishad, additional chief secretary of Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department Anurag Srivastava, along with several other officials.