CM sets ODF status, zero disease outbreak, field visits as target for Collectors

Without referring to the parent initiative of ODF, which is integral part of Centre’s Clean India Mission, Palaniswami made this appeal in his inaugural address on the special session for Collectors – his regime’s first edition of the annual conference of District Collectors and District and City Police Chiefs. 

“(Collectors) Should make people aware of the need to build toilets. They should also build toilets both public and individual toilets whichever that suites that locality and thereby take the state achieve the laurel of ODF,” Palaniswami said. 

He sought the attention of the Collectors on solid waste management practices and to encourage waste segregation, recycling and composting initiatives. 

“The Collectors should also ensure zero outbreak of communicable diseases in the respective districts. The Collectors should bring together local bodies and public health departments to ensure public health by curtailing outbreaks, if any, at initial stage itself,” he advised. 

On MMR and IMR indicators, the CM insisted the Collectors make it a top priority to achieve zero MMR and IMR. 

Palaniswami appealed to the Collectors to ensure drinking water woes do not crop up in the ensuing summer like how they weathered out the severe drought last year. 

He suggested regular review of services offered through e-Seva Centres, and various other welfare measures doled out by the state. He also ordered that stringent actions be taken on officials who issue certificates based on invalid credentials or denying certificates for valid applicants. He sought a similar audit of land records as well as the issue of land titles through the District Administration. 

Palaniswami brought up the issue of ‘field visits,’ and how it is essential for better administration, and directed that Collectors carry out field visits wherever necessary to gauge the reach of the government’s welfare schemes.