Chairing the second review meeting of the Collector–Commissioner Conference in Bhopal, Jain made it clear that officers should not assume that irregularities remain hidden. “What is brewing where, and who is responsible for what—this information is available,” he said, urging officials to correct course without delay and align their work with public interest and the government’s priorities.
The Chief Secretary conducted a district-wise review of 85 agenda points discussed during the Collector–Commissioner Conference held on October 7 and 8. Performance rankings of districts were shared, highlighting both top and bottom performers, and specific instructions were issued to underperforming districts to improve outcomes within defined timelines.
Key government initiatives were reviewed, including the Muskan Campaign focused on women’s safety and tracing missing minor girls. Officials informed the meeting that more than 1,900 girls have been recovered so far. In public awareness efforts under the campaign, Tikamgarh, Dhar and Singrauli were ranked among the top-performing districts, while Panna, Morena and Bhind were placed at the bottom.
Jain also expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the Revenue Department, particularly delays in resolving cases on the RCMS grievance redressal platform. He said the lack of visible control by collectors was undermining accountability, pointing out that in several instances cases were being registered after resolution, rendering system-based reviews ineffective.
Serious concern was raised over a matter involving a senior departmental officer allegedly delaying implementation of a ready software system to favour a private IT company. Jain noted that instructions to implement the new system had already been issued three times and warned against such conduct.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reprimanded Betul Collector Narendra Suryavanshi for using a mobile phone while proceedings were underway. He also expressed displeasure over slow progress in MNREGA works, noting that in districts where CEO posts remain vacant, progress indicators are at zero.
The review meeting itself had been postponed multiple times—initially scheduled for December 31, then January 5 and January 15—before finally being held on Wednesday due to administrative reasons.
Officials said the government would closely monitor compliance with the directives issued, signalling stricter oversight and accountability measures in the coming weeks.
