We are public servants, not rulers

Amaravati: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy told the District Collectors to remember that "we not rulers but public servants" and asked them to serve the people with utmost sincerity.

Addressing the first District Collectors' conference held at Praja Vedika in Undavalli, the Chief Minister advised them to remind this every day and meet the expectations of the people in the implementation of the welfare schemes.

Jagan said the people had reposed tremendous trust in the government and it was necessary that the manifesto was implemented in its entirety. He said he can give certain directions, but it was for the Collectors to implement the schemes effectively.

Unless the officers and the executive work in unison, people's aspirations cannot be fulfilled. If the promises in the manifesto are not implemented, they will not be able to go back to the people and seek votes again, he said.

Jagan asked the officials to take their opinion before making or taking any important decision. He also asked them to greet them with a smile.

MLAs and officials are like two eyes of the government, he said. Stating that he would not tolerate any kind of corruption or irregularities howsoever big one might be, he said his only passion was to see that his photo was there in every house even after his death.

The Collectors normally sign off once they leave the district. But they should work in such a way that they would be remembered by the people for ever. He said importance should be given to farmers, SCs STs, BCs and minorities.

"We have to raise their self-respect in society and every welfare scheme meant for them should reach them as envisaged in Navaratnalu.

He said unlike in the previous regime, welfare schemes should be implemented and should be ensured that they reach everyone irrespective of party, caste, creed, status, region and beyond the realms of politics.

Even if the party MLAs ask you to do something that is irregular or against the rules don't listen to them. Politics are only until elections, after which every person is equal to us and they are all beneficiaries, he added.

Jagan said village secretariats will be created in every village having more than 2000 residents. For every 50 houses, a Village Volunteer will be appointed to ensure that the benefits reach every doorstep.

He said volunteers would be paid Rs 5000 as honorarium, so that they don't fall prey to any kind of immoralities. If they do, you can call the CM's office directly and register a complaint.

"We will take action against them and remove them from services," he said. The entire government machinery should work diligently and free from corruption right from the lowest to the highest official.

"There should be complete transparency in the way we work, and change should start from the ground level," he said. After formation of Village Secretariats, Jagan said he will organise the Rachchabanda programmes.