‘Citizens should not be left to wander like in TV serial ‘Office-Office’: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on role of public servants

Lucknow, Oct 23 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday drew a parallel between citizens moving from one government office to another for getting work done and the television serial ‘Office-Office’, asserting that citizen satisfaction is the true report card of any public servant.

The Chief Minister made the remarks while speaking at the Northern Regional Workshop of the ‘Sadhana Series’ under Mission Karmayogi, in Lucknow.

He announced three major initiatives at the event. These include developing the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Uttar Pradesh Academy of Administration and Management (UPAAM) as an AI Centre of Excellence, enhancing the capacity of personnel in panchayats and urban local bodies, and effectively implementing the concept of ‘Right Person for the Right Role’.

Addressing a gathering, CM Adityanath said that when an ordinary citizen has to move from one office to another for getting work done, it raises serious questions about the entire system.

Assuring that Uttar Pradesh will develop a system to ensure the right person is posted in the right position, making the administrative setup more efficient, sensitive, and accountable, the Chief Minister added: “Efforts will be made to link officials’ and employees’ performance, achievements, and success stories with their Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) and promotions.”

He said that the purpose of training is not merely to obtain certificates but to ensure timely resolution of citizens’ problems, simplified procedures, and improved public services.

CM Adityanath noted that even today, many elderly citizens have to make repeated visits to government offices for pensions, while small yet important problems of ordinary citizens often remain unresolved.

Referring to the popular television serial “Office-Office”, the Chief Minister said: “Citizens being forced to run from one office to another for routine work reflects poorly on the entire governance system.”

According to CM Adityanath, deliberately delaying solutions or failing to address issues due to lack of information are both serious concerns.

“An incompetent person occupying a responsible position is dangerous, and so is a negligent person continuing in such a role… While employees are often conscious of their rights and promotions, they may not always show the same seriousness toward their responsibilities,” he said.

“Therefore, continuous capacity development, clear accountability, and proper evaluation of public servants are essential. Resolving the genuine problems of ordinary citizens must remain the administration’s priority. If an elderly person, youth, woman, farmer, or anyone in need has to return disappointed without timely resolution, the purpose of public service is defeated,” CM Adityanath added.

The Chief Minister urged the Capacity Building Commission to support the development of UPAAM as an AI Centre of Excellence.

He emphasised that artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital technologies are rapidly transforming governance, and public servants must be equipped to adapt to these changes.

“Technology can accelerate governance, simplify procedures, and improve decision-making, but only a spirit of service can make administration truly sensitive to citizens’ needs,” he said.

CM Adityanath also stressed the need for capacity development among personnel working in gram panchayats, nagar panchayats, municipal councils, and municipal corporations.

“To achieve the goals of a developed and self-reliant India, local bodies must become stronger, more accountable, and citizen-centric. Since panchayats and urban bodies are the foundational units of governance, strengthening their efficiency is essential for ensuring that government schemes reach the last person effectively,” he said.

Reiterating the importance of implementing the ‘Right Person for the Right Role’ principle, the Chief Minister requested the Capacity Building Commission to work with UPAAM on linking employees’ achievements, work performance, and success stories with their ACRs and promotions.

This, he said, would help assign responsibilities according to competence and ensure suitable individuals are placed in appropriate positions.

–IANS

cg/khz