Lack of Official Vehicles Poses Problems For Circle Officers

GUWAHATI: Though the Circle Officers play a pivotal role in carrying forward various administrative and welfare schemes of the government at the grassroots level, the fact remains that they are facing immense problems in their day-to-day official work. This is primarily because most of them are now not having any vital means of communication. A Bolero was allotted to each of the 154 Circle Offices in the State ten years ago. However, the majority of these official vehicles are now lying idle as they are out of order. This sorry state has arisen as the earlier Congress government failed to accord budgetary allocation for the upkeep of these vehicles. There were also no provisions in the budget for fuel & drivers.

The Circle Officers have to respond in quick time to demanding situations and also proceed to remote areas besides attending to their regular official assignments. Obviously, time is at a premium, and speedy communication is of paramount importance. But now, these Circle Officers who have a significant position after the Deputy Commissioners are forced to make use of their personal vehicles for official assignments.

These officials have to look after not only the prime job of land revenue but also various other administrative and security-related activities linked to law and order, natural calamities like floods, and development. They are now also involved in NRC update work. Even during the election time, the roles of Circle officials are quite important.

Following the commencement of the NRC update work, these officers did get some relief as the NRC authorities allowed the hire of vehicles for the purpose. But it is a temporary relief and they will be left with the same Bolero vehicles that are now lying defunct mostly in the office premises once the NRC work is completed.

Speaking on terms of anonymity, a Circle Officer said, “Taking into consideration the huge amount of work that is reposed on the officials, the government should arrange for official vehicles for them at the earliest.”

An official of the State Revenue and Disaster Management said, “The Department agrees in principle that the Circle Offices must be allotted new vehicles; and we are working in this direction. Already a proposal of around Rs 11 crore has been forwarded to the Finance department. The Finance department has sought some clarifications on procurement of new vehicles for circle officers.”

On this vital issue, State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Bhabesh Kalita talking to The Sentinel on Thursday, said, “We are concerned over the issue. Once we get the nod from the Finance department, we hope to procure the new vehicles for the Circle Offices.”

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