"Officials became thick-skinned in past 10 years": Delhi minister Parvesh Verma

New Delhi [India], March 21 (ANI): Delhi government officials have become "thick-skinned" in the past 10 years, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma said on Friday.

This comes after Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma ordered the suspension of the Public Works Department (PWD) executive engineer while inspecting drainages in the national capital.

During an inspection of roads in Patparganj, the minister found that the drains along NH 9 (Service Lane), also known as NH 24, were in a severely neglected state, with no visible maintenance work being carried out.

Criticizing the working style of officials, he said, "In the past 10 years, they have become ‘thick-skinned’ and indifferent towards their responsibilities. He emphasized that strict monitoring and accountability will now be enforced."

“PWD is responsible for maintaining these drains, but the situation on the ground tells a different story. I have ordered the suspension of the engineer accountable for this negligence. There will be no tolerance for inefficiency,” said Minister Verma.

Later, the minister inspected the roads and drains starting from New Ashok Nagar Metro Station, followed by Chilla Village in Trilokpuri and areas of Patparganj Assembly. He found that the drains were in poor shape, causing inconvenience to residents. Singh directed officials to take immediate corrective measures and ensure proper maintenance to prevent waterlogging and hygiene issues.

Expressing his disappointment, the minister said, “Officials are supposed to ensure basic upkeep, yet the condition on the ground is unacceptable. Regular monitoring and swift action are necessary to maintain Delhi’s infrastructure.”

He has issued a stern warning to all senior PWD officials, making it clear that those failing in their responsibilities will face strict disciplinary action.

“Delhi deserves world-class roads and infrastructure. Officers must take ownership of their duties. Those who do not comply will be held accountable,” he asserted.

The PWD has now made it compulsory for all field officials, including junior engineers, assistant engineers, and executive engineers, to conduct daily road inspections and submit reports along with pictures via the PWD e-monitoring app.

The department has taken serious note of the fact that officials have failed to report potholes, broken footpaths, encroachments, and other road defects. It has been observed that PWD field engineers are not even using the mandated e-monitoring system—a lapse that will no longer be tolerated.

The new enforcement measures include daily field inspections from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, including Saturdays. Mandatory submission of inspection reports with photos on the PWD e-monitoring app and strict action against those failing to comply.

The minister has made it clear—this is just the beginning. The PWD will now function with accountability and transparency, or face the consequences. (ANI)