Upalokayukta K.N. Phaneendra has said that the Union and State governments have introduced many schemes for the welfare of the people. Officers concerned have to implement them effectively and efficiently to ensure a respectful and healthy life for citizens.

He was addressing participants after inaugurating a programme for receiving complaints and enquiries and disposing of applications submitted by the general public in Yadgir on Friday.

Mr. Phaneendra, who was here on a scheduled two-day tour, paid surprise visits to many places, particularly the bus stand, public places and a nala that is flowing near Don Bosco School, before attending public grievances meeting.

“Every citizen has the right to get benefits being extended by the governments through their programmes and schemes. Officers should take them to the last person of society to uphold their rights under the Constitution. This will become a reality only when officers work in coordination with each other, with honesty and public concern,” the Upalokayukta said.

Mr. Phaneendra advised officials to hear the public with patience and solve their problems. If anything becomes difficult, get advice from higher officers. “The Lokayukta Office has received a number of applications mentioning problems, but, today, we will hear such applications only where applicants have been served notices,” he added.

He suggested clearing pending applications seeking old age pension. The Agriculture Department should take additional initiatives to distribute seeds, fertilizers and chemicals at subsidized prices and ensure that there is no irregularities in reaching out these benefits.

The Upalokayukta also cautioned officers to be alert to false complaints by some section of people who may file complaints only to demand money from officers. If any such thing is found, approach the authorities concerned immediately, he added.

Referring to corruption in government offices, he said that Karnataka stands fifth in the country as far as corruption is concerned. The Lokayukta Office, which has a good team of officers, will act promptly in corruption cases using legal options and punish officers involved.

Earlier, when he visited the bus stand, he advised the officers to keep the surroundings clean.

Mr. Phaneendra directed the CMC officials to prevent contaminated water from entering the river through a nala near Don Bosco School.

He also directed the Police Department to deploy men at bus stands and also carry out patrol once a fortnight.

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Pandve, Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Panchayat Lavish Ordia, Superintendent of Police Pruthvik Shankar, Superintendent of Police (Lokayukta) Siddaraju, Personal Secretary P.M. Patil, District Legal Services Authority’s member-secretary and judge Mariyappa, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Lokayukta) J.H. Inamdar and officers were present.