In a world where government offices, especially in India are mostly considered to be slow, something surprising happened! Recently, at Noida Authority, a senior officer found a unique way of enforcing discipline by showing the importance of quick public service and touching hearts across the country.
According to the reports presented by various online media sources, after observing that an elderly man was unnecessarily waiting in front of the counters of the office, the CEO of Noida Authority Dr. Lokesh M acted against the staff. The CEO imposed punishment on 16 employees by mandating them to stand and perform their duty for 20 minutes due to their delay in providing the service.
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Routine monitoring exposes the delay Dr. Lokesh M, an IAS officer of the 2005 batch, has worked tirelessly to bring efficiency and accountability to the Noida Authority. For efficient working, the offices are monitored through 65 CCTV cameras, and there is a possibility of being able to track staff and visitor experiences by the CEO.
It was during a routine monitoring of CCTV footage on Monday that Dr. Lokesh saw an old man waiting at one of the service counters. The delay had worried him, and he told the on-duty staff to either sort out the man's issue then and there or clearly tell him if the work could not be done.
Disciplinary action after ignoring instructionsDespite the CEO's clear instructions, the old man was left waiting for 20 minutes with no response. Frustrated by the inaction and silence, Dr. Lokesh decided to take matters into his own hands and visited the residential plot department himself. Upon arrival, he observed the lack of urgency and decided to make an example. He instructed 16 staff members, including women, to stand up and continue their work for 20 minutes. This unexpected measure was intended to emphasize the importance of timely service and accountability. Dr. Lokesh's intervention highlighted his commitment to improving public service efficiency and holding employees accountable for their responsibilities. His decisive action drew mixed reactions but undeniably put a spotlight on the need for better service standards.
Public response to the CEO’s moveThe video captures the moment vividly, showing a room full of government employees standing in silent compliance, which has sparked a wave of reactions online. Dr. Lokesh's method, though unconventional, is seen by many as a bold move towards ensuring accountability and improving the efficiency of public services. Some critics argue that such measures might be too harsh and could have adverse effects on employee morale. One user said that the officials due to which the file was delayed should be given punishment.
However, the majority opinion appears to support the idea that stricter accountability is necessary to combat complacency and inefficiency in government offices. This incident has ignited a broader conversation about the need for innovative approaches to improve public service delivery. Dr. Lokesh, a 2005-batch IAS officer, assumed charge of Noida Authority in 2023 and has been actively monitoring office operations using CCTV footage. His decisive action has been praised on social media for holding staff accountable and emphasizing the importance of timely service.
A push for better public serviceDr. Lokesh M has emphasized the need to enhance efficiency at the Noida Authority office, which caters to hundreds of visitors daily. By implementing CCTV surveillance, he aims to identify and address service delivery gaps, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly. The recent incident, where he personally intervened to ensure an elderly man received timely assistance, underscores his dedication to visitor care. Dr. Lokesh's actions demonstrate an unwavering commitment to creating a culture of accountability and responsibility within public offices. His approach not only aims to improve service efficiency but also fosters a respectful and empathetic environment for all visitors.
Dr. Lokesh M’s actions serve as a reminder of the critical role that empathy and accountability play in public service. His decision to address delays and ensure better treatment for visitors reflects his commitment to building trust between citizens and government offices. The punishment may have been unconventional, but it delivered a strong message about the importance of timely and respectful service, especially for the elderly and other vulnerable groups. Such initiatives inspire hope for a more responsive and people-centric administration. By prioritizing the needs of citizens and holding staff accountable, Dr. Lokesh sets an example for other public offices across the country to follow.