In the aftermath of Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant’s unannounced inspection, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has experienced a surge in activity, particularly in municipal corporations. The Chief Secretary’s visit prompted the movement of long-pending files that were previously stagnant. Officers seem to have employed the tactic of marking files with “discuss” to temporarily halt their progress. To account for the missing files, letters explaining file losses are being generated.
Both the Greater Municipal Corporation and Heritage Municipal Corporations are grappling with pending files related to land leases, name transfers, and colony regulations. Frequently, files circulate in a loop from one desk to another, causing frustration and confusion for applicants.
Despite the previous Congress government’s claim of issuing house leases within a day during city administration campaigns, many applicants who applied during the campaign are still awaiting their leases. Additionally, numerous files related to colony regulations are pending in the JDA.
Experts suggest that officials might misplace files if they lack the necessary weight or influence to expedite them. In instances where files are considered lost, applicants often face significant challenges in locating them, requiring them to submit search letters as proof of ongoing processing.
Experts further note that many ‘sports’ events within the Municipal Corporation occur in zone offices, particularly within the Revenue Branch. Personnel in these offices often retain their positions for extended periods, becoming familiar with intricate details and fostering collusion at the clerical level.
In response to the Chief Secretary’s observation of irregularities and file pendency, the JDA administration reluctantly sprang into action. They issued orders to all cell and zone deputy commissioners, directing them to promptly discuss pending files with higher officials and resolve them within the next 24 hours. Additionally, necessary actions will be taken on the same day a letter is received, ensuring the disposal of pending files within 24 hours.