The government finally acknowledged and is actively addressing the concerns raised by Surjya Abhiyan in their complaint!
A formal complaint was submitted to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Chief Secretary of the State on September 27th, 2023, by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s ‘Surajya Abhiyan,’ representing concerns about the disorderly state of the Government Headquarters i.e. the Mantralaya in Maharashtra State. The complaint emphasized issues such as the presence of heaps of files, office materials scattered everywhere, and an unsanitary and disordered condition within various departments. In response to this complaint, the General Administration Department of the State government took prompt action. On March 11th, 2024, an official government order was issued, directing all administrative departments of the Mantralaya to maintain cleanliness and order. ‘Surajya Abhiyan’ welcomes this proactive step of the government. This should be implemented in a similar manner in all the government offices in the state, said the coordinator of ‘Surajya Abhiyan’, Mr. Shri. Abhishek Murukate.
Despite the Maharashtra government’s commendable initiative to adopt a ‘paperless’ system, the reality within the Mantralaya reveals an overwhelming presence of physical files. Employees find themselves working amidst stacks of these files, and in certain departments, files are even found piled on chairs. As this situation extends to the offices of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister as well, the same reflects across various government offices in the state. Given the prevailing disorganization within the Mantralaya, a broader strategic approach is imperative. It is crucial for the government to make informed decisions concerning all state government offices, including the Mantralaya. Workspaces for employees and officials should prioritize cleanliness and orderliness. The arrangement of pens, pencils, erasers, tapes, and other essentials on desks should be structured. Adequate space should be provided for employees and officers to facilitate unrestricted movement, as the freedom to work seamlessly correlates with increased productivity.
Order to implement an action plan for cleanliness!
Following the government directive, a comprehensive action plan has been established to ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of all administrative departments within the Mantralaya. The plan outlines specific steps, including the thorough review and classification of documents and holders. Proper disposal procedures are mandated for expired strips, with a keen focus on preventing the accumulation of old computers, printers, unnecessary documents, broken furniture, cupboards, scraps, and machinery in open spaces or pathways. Furthermore, departments are instructed to adopt ‘e’-office systems for document transmission, facilitate the sale of old and unused items, and undertake necessary repairs and painting of departmental cupboards. These measures collectively aim to streamline and enhance the efficiency of the administrative processes within the Mantralaya. Surajya Abhiyan had already forwarded these suggestions to the Maharashtra Government, urging thoughtful consideration and implementation, said Mr. Shri. Abhishek Murukate