Mumbai: To make the revenue machinery more people-centric, Maharashtra’s Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, has issued a detailed circular instructing district collectors to visit their regions once a month, while sub-divisional officers (SDOs) and tehsildars should visit their respective areas twice a month.

The goal is to ensure government policies and schemes reach the public. Any negligence in these duties will result in immediate disciplinary action, as per the circular.

Minister Bawankule convened a meeting with senior revenue officials to brief them on the new directives, which were issued following instructions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The circular also emphasizes the creation of an online system to monitor these visits, allowing the divisional commissioner’s office to coordinate and plan the visits.

13-Point Program for Field Visits

As part of the circular, a 13-point program has been outlined for the officers, emphasizing the need for field visits to assess public feedback, inspect government schemes' implementation, and ensure safety measures in disaster-prone areas. Officers are also instructed to use "surprise visits" to monitor the effectiveness of their staff and ensure that services are being delivered properly.

During these visits, officers are expected to review the use of various online portals, such as the e-office system, the Service Rights Act Portal, and others related to the revenue department. They will also focus on infrastructure, cleanliness, and the accessibility of public facilities.

The circular stresses that officers must engage with the public in a courteous and responsive manner and regularly review the progress of a 100-day action plan.

"The revenue department is taking proactive steps to implement state policies and people-oriented programs. From district collectors to village-level officials, all must remain active in their fields to ensure proper execution. The purpose is to keep the machinery functional and accountable. I will personally monitor the reports sent by the divisional commissioners, and they will be recorded in the service books," said Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.