DC orders tighter monitoring of public services across Gujrat

Deputy Commissioner Khurram Shehzad has directed district officers to strengthen field monitoring of public services and ensure timely action

GUJRAT:  Deputy Commissioner Khurram Shehzad has directed district officers to strengthen field monitoring of public services and ensure timely action on complaints, prices, sanitation, encroachments and other indicators being tracked under the Punjab government’s governance programme.

The directions were issued at a meeting chaired by the deputy commissioner to review weekly targets and performance across 25 public-sector areas. Officers were asked to regularly inspect tandoors and bakeries, check weights and prices of essential commodities, address public complaints and monitor sanitation, roads, streetlights, sewerage systems, water filtration plants, schools and hospitals.
The meeting also reviewed progress on development schemes launched under the chief minister’s programme, complaints received through the complaint cell, e-Biz applications and matters relating to land management. The deputy commissioner directed officers to improve their field presence and ensure that progress reports reflected actual work on the ground.

It was decided that two weekly meetings would be held to monitor prices, availability of essential commodities and public complaints, with the participation of price control magistrates, the food department, Punjab Food Authority and Special Branch.
The administration’s focus on field monitoring was also reflected in a series of inspections across the district.

Shehzad visited Government Zamindar High School in Gujrat, where he inspected classrooms, the computer laboratory, washrooms, drinking water facilities and the water filtration plant. He directed education officials to maintain cleanliness and ensure the regular upkeep of basic facilities.
Assistant Commissioner Kharian Ahmed Sher Gondal separately visited the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Kharian on the deputy commissioner’s directions. According to the administration, medical staff were present according to the duty roster and essential medicines were available. The officer also reviewed cleanliness and sought feedback from patients about the facilities being provided at the hospital.
In Kharian, sanitation and anti-encroachment operations were also reported on the city’s main roads, commercial areas and intersections. The administration said sanitation workers were operating in two shifts while the municipal anti-encroachment squad was removing temporary encroachments. Water sprinkling and painting of kerb stones were also under way.
The deputy commissioner also inspected the Land Record Centre in Gujrat, where officials briefed him about daily operations involving around 200 tokens. He reviewed counters and other sections and spoke to applicants about their problems and the progress of their applications.

He subsequently visited an under-construction registration centre and the Ombudsman’s office, directing officials to ensure timely completion of public dealings and maintain transparency in land-related services.
Separately, a delegation of Pastors Alliance Pak Dua Ministry met the deputy commissioner following his appointment in Gujrat and conveyed its good wishes. The meeting also included discussion on matters of mutual interest.

The administration’s latest inspections come as district authorities face growing pressure to demonstrate measurable improvements in routine public services, particularly in areas such as price control, sanitation, healthcare, education and citizen facilitation.