In a move that sent shockwaves through the local administration, Rajasthan's Forest and Environment Minister Sanjay Sharma, who is also the in-charge minister for Sikar district, conducted a surprise inspection of the urban problem resolution camp in Sikar on Tuesday. The unannounced visit laid bare significant lapses, including empty offices and absent staff, leading to a major reprimand for district officials.
Empty Chairs and Missing Registers Spark Minister's Ire
The minister, arriving without prior notice, was met with a scene of neglect. Key offices were found deserted. Officials on-site informed Minister Sharma that the Municipal Council Commissioner, Shashikant Sharma, was away on official duty, while other staff members were out for lunch. However, the situation escalated when Sanjay Sharma discovered that the camp's register, crucial for tracking public grievances, was not properly maintained.
Emphasizing the critical role of these camps in solving issues faced by common citizens, an irate Minister Sharma lambasted the present officers for their sheer negligence and dereliction of duty. He stressed that such camps are a direct interface between the government and the public, and any failure here directly impacts people's trust.
Collector's Intervention Meets with Stern Rebuke
Upon learning of the minister's unexpected visit, District Collector Mukul Sharma rushed to the Municipal Council office. Here, Minister Sanjay Sharma voiced his strong concerns over the rampant absenteeism and careless attitude toward official work. He made it clear that he would report the entire situation to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
During the inspection, former councillor Sabir and other local citizens also approached the minister. They complained about poor ward arrangements and alleged continuous negligence by the municipal council. When Minister Sharma was admonishing the officers, District Collector Mukul Sharma attempted to intervene. This prompted a stern rebuke from the minister, who said, "Collector Sahib, you should not try to save these thieves."
Senior Officials Rush to Scene, But Minister Leaves in Anger
The news of the minister's arrival triggered a flurry of activity. Urban Development and Housing (UDH) Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra, along with Municipal Council Commissioner Shashikant Sharma, hurried to the council office. However, by the time they reached, Minister Sanjay Sharma had already departed, reportedly in anger. UDH Minister Kharra later gathered details of the incident from the District Magistrate before leaving the premises.
This surprise inspection has highlighted significant administrative gaps in Sikar's public grievance redressal mechanism. The minister's strong reaction underscores the state government's stated focus on accountability and efficiency, sending a clear message to the bureaucracy across Rajasthan.
