20-Month File Delay Costs Indore Development Authority Clerk His Pay

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A detailed review of the Indore Development Authority (IDA) on Sunday exposed a serious lapse in file disposal, with a case in the Estate Branch reportedly pending for nearly 20 months.

Taking a stern view of the prolonged delay, Divisional Commissioner and IDA Chairman Bhaskar Laxkar directed that the salary of the concerned clerk, Akash Silawat, be withheld.

The action came during a comprehensive review meeting chaired by Laxkar to assess the functioning of the authority's 17 branches and the progress of its ongoing development projects. IDA Chief Executive Officer Parikshit Jhadey presented the updated status of various works and departmental activities.

The prolonged pendency of the file emerged during the Estate Branch review. Sources said the Commissioner expressed strong displeasure over the delay and sought accountability for keeping the file pending for so long. The decision to withhold the employee's salary marked one of the significant actions taken during the review.

The review also brought shortcomings in the functioning of other branches to the notice of senior officials. Laxkar instructed the concerned officers and employees to immediately address the deficiencies and streamline the working system. He emphasised that files and public-related matters should not remain pending unnecessarily and that officials must maintain proper monitoring of work.

The Commissioner also reviewed the progress of major infrastructure projects being executed by the IDA. Particular attention was given to the River Over Bridge on MR-12, Railway Over Bridge on MR-10 and the multi-storey building under Scheme No. 136.

Construction agencies were directed to ensure that work meets prescribed quality standards and is completed within the stipulated timeframe. Laxkar stressed that merely taking up projects was not enough and that realistic planning, continuous monitoring and timely completion must remain the focus.

During the meeting, the Commissioner also reviewed developed master-plan roads and internal roads being constructed under various town development schemes. Quality of construction and adherence to deadlines were discussed in detail.

20-month delay triggers action

A file in the IDA's Estate Branch was reportedly found pending for nearly 20 months during the review. Divisional Commissioner Bhaskar Laxkar took serious exception to the delay and ordered that the salary of concerned clerk Akash Silawat be withheld. The action highlights the administration's focus on accountability and timely disposal of files.

MAJOR PROJECTS ON WATCH

MR-12: River Over Bridge under construction

MR-10: Railway Over Bridge under construction

Scheme No. 136: Multi-storey building under construction

Other works: Master-plan roads and internal roads under various town development schemes