To streamline work at civil sectt, govt fixes visitors’ time

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 29

In a bid to improve work culture and speedy disposal of files, the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led government in the state has imposed restrictions on the entry of visitors to the civil secretariat before 1 pm.

A circular to this effect was issued here recently and the officials said it aimed to restrict the rush of visitors to the secretariat and streamline the functioning on working days.

The civil secretariat, seat of the state government, used to witness heavy rush of visitors in both summer and winter capitals of the state. The bi-annual shift between the two capitals also restricts the duration of working days.

While officials say they are feeling relieved and getting time to concentrate on the work due to the new orders, the visitors said the direction has added their trouble.

“We get enough time to clear files and do work. Otherwise you would see chaos and confusion as anyone would enter your cabin and seek details about issues of no concern to you,” said a senior official.

The circular reads: “It has been observed that visitors enter the civil secretariat premises irrespective of the time fixed. This unrestricted entry of visitors, before the fixed time, doesn’t serve any purpose as the ministers and the officers are busy during the early hours in connection with their official engagements,” the circular reads.

The circular has directed the officers working in the civil secretariat to fix their meetings after the time that has been fixed for the entry of the visitors to the secretariat. “This creates problem for the visitors who have to wait a lot to meet the officers concerned,” the circular adds.

Though civil officials are feeling relieved, security personnel manning the civil secretariat are facing tough time to convince common people and officials who want to visit the secretariat.

“Officials of other departments presume security guards are deliberately restricting their entry and visitors, including common people, also think the same. They don’t understand we have orders from the government,” said a security guard.

A security official said on an average around 4,000 visitors and employees of other departments visit the secretariat. However, the visitors to the secretariat said the government circular has added to their problems.

“The government should understand that there are people who come from far-off places and it is difficult to return home late,” said Mohammad Amin, a Kupwara resident, who was waiting outside the secretariat.

“Unlike other places, the transport is not available after dusk and we may not be able to meet officials or ministers,” he added.