Bhubaneswar: On Thursday, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged district-level development officers to prioritize the welfare of citizens by abandoning outdated practices and political biases that characterized the previous administration.

During a conference held at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Hall, CM Majhi emphasized the importance of respectful collaboration with elected officials, sharing his own experiences of encountering discourteous behavior while serving as a Sarpanch.

He encouraged the Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Chief Development Officers (CDOs) to refrain from using machinery in labor-intensive projects under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, as this approach could significantly alleviate labor migration and enhance the economic conditions of rural communities.

Majhi called on the officers to view themselves as public servants, dedicated to their roles. He stated, "You are here to serve the people, and it is your responsibility to work with integrity and a sense of duty. Any neglect of your responsibilities will lead to strict consequences. Corruption and negligence will not be tolerated."

In his speech, the Chief Minister outlined a comprehensive plan for a 'Vikshit Odisha' (Developed Odisha), highlighting the pivotal role of the Panchayati Raj Department in the transformation of rural areas.

He reiterated the government's commitment to fostering a prosperous Odisha through targeted grassroots initiatives, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat'.

Majhi stressed that every panchayat and village should feature at least one micro-tourism center, essential roads, resource centers, and access to basic services such as clean drinking water, quality education, Anganwadi centers, and agricultural assistance.

He added, "The effectiveness of a block is directly linked to the dedication of its officers. Villagers should be able to visit the block office and receive prompt solutions to their concerns, whether related to housing, drinking water, ration cards, or agricultural needs."

The Chief Minister concluded by urging officials to be active listeners and problem-solvers, emphasizing that their proactive involvement is crucial for meeting the aspirations of the populace and achieving the vision of a thriving Odisha.