Gehlot govt went overboard in creating new dists: CM

Jaipur: CM Bhajan Lal Sharma on Saturday sharply criticised the previous Ashok Gehlot-led govt’s decision to create 17 new districts towards the end of its tenure in 2023.
Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Rajasthan Administrative Service Association (RASA), Sharma said, “The previous govt went overboard by creating districts in haste.District offices should only be established where there is genuine need. Forming new districts requires substantial financial and resource investments, which should have been carefully considered by them.”
Targeting former CM Ashok Gehlot, Sharma said that as the head of state at the time, Gehlot should have reflected on whether the creation of so many districts was necessary. “Decisions impacting the state’s administration should not be made without proper evaluation of resources and needs,” he said. Underlining the crucial role of the administration in connecting govt with citizens, Sharma highlighted the importance of public servants being approachable and trustworthy, particularly in times of public need. “Administration is the key link between govt and people. When there is a bond of trust, the public turns to you in their time of need,” he said, encouraging officials to execute their duties with efficiency, empathy and a sense of responsibility towards meeting the public’s expectations.
The CM said his govt will evaluate the officials solely on the basis of their work, honesty, and accountability to people, asserting there would be no favouritism or bias in assessing their performance.
Newly appointed RASA president Mahaveer Kharadi submitted a charter of demands to the CM, flagging concerns such as shortage of adequate office spaces, vehicles, and housing for officers. Kharadi also expressed concern about delays in promotions and reduction of RAS positions in key department. tnn