The most frequented tahsildar’s office, here, is in a sheer state of negligence as it lacks basic facilities. It is learnt that most of the government offices in the city are being upgraded and new buildings are being constructed, but the tahsildar’s office is still functioning from the same old building that was constructed decades ago.
The Deputy Commissioner’s office building too was renovated at a cost of Rs one crore. But, the taluk office, which is visited by hundreds of farmers, students and others every day, is completely neglected.
Considering the inconvenience caused to the people, a mini Vidhana Soudha was constructed for relocating the taluk office. However, the idea was opposed as it was difficult for the people from rural areas to visit the office, as there was no proper bus connectivity for reaching mini Vidhana Soudha. Though bus services to the area have begun now, the officials claim that the building is not spacious enough to accommodate the taluk office.
It may be mentioned that, a few years ago, the then tahsildar, speaking at a meeting in Bengaluru, had told that his staff were working from toilets. However, there has been no change in the situation even after years and the employees are seen seated at vacant places near toilets.
As there is no chamber for the Grade 2 tahsildar, the verandah has been converted into a chamber. Spaces have been allotted for other employees in a similar manner. Hundreds visit the offices for ration cards and other works. There is neither a seating facility nor space to accommodate them.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Tahsildar Manjunath opined that there is no objection from their side for shifting of the office to mini Vidhana Soudha. “To safeguard the documents, a separate room measuring 80x100 sq feet is required. Currently, the employees are managing the work at available spaces,” he said.
However, as the tahsildar is being given additional responsibilities, there is more work pressure. Programmes are being chalked out to make the Revenue department paperless with the introduction of e-governance.
“Mini Vidhana Soudha is not sufficient. The authorities concerned should have requested for identifying a location for the new office,” Manjunath added.