IAS Officer Makes Entire Department Stand for 20 Minutes for Delaying Service to Elderly Couple: Sparks Online Debate
Screengrab from a video tweeted by @SachinGuptaUP
In a country where government offices are often criticized for inefficiency, a recent incident at the Noida Authority has captured nationwide attention. The Authority’s CEO, Dr. Lokesh M, took an unconventional step to enforce discipline and emphasize the importance of timely public service. His action not only highlighted the need for accountability but also sparked a broader conversation about the functioning of public offices in India.
Routine Monitoring Reveals Delay
Dr. Lokesh M, an IAS officer from the 2005 batch, is known for his focus on efficiency and accountability. During a routine monitoring of CCTV footage, he noticed an elderly man waiting for assistance at a service counter. Despite his instructions to address the man’s issue promptly or inform him if the work could not be done, the staff failed to take action. Frustrated by their inaction, Dr. Lokesh decided to intervene personally.
Watch the video of the incident here:
नोएडा अथॉरिटी में एक बुजुर्ग दंपति फाइल पास कराने के लिए भटक रहे थे, लेकिन सुनवाई नहीं हो रही थी।
— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) December 17, 2024
CEO ने ये देख सभी कर्मचारियों को 30 मिनट तक खड़े होकर काम करने की सजा सुनाई !! pic.twitter.com/yUgMZlu4xE
Punishment to Reinforce Accountability
Upon visiting the residential plot department, the CEO observed a lack of urgency among 16 staff members. To set an example, he instructed them to stand while performing their duties for 20 minutes. The gesture, caught on camera, aimed to underline the importance of timely service, especially for senior citizens and vulnerable groups.
Mixed Reactions to Unconventional Action
The incident has drawn mixed reactions online. Many praised Dr. Lokesh’s decisive approach, calling it a necessary move to combat complacency in government offices. Critics, however, argued that such measures could affect employee morale. Nevertheless, the overwhelming response supported the idea of stricter accountability to improve public service.
A Step Toward Better Governance
Dr. Lokesh has introduced several measures, including 65 CCTV cameras, to monitor service delivery at the Noida Authority, which serves hundreds of visitors daily. His actions reflect a commitment to creating a culture of empathy and responsibility, ensuring that citizens, particularly the elderly, are treated with dignity and respect. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that accountability and empathy play in building trust between citizens and government offices.
