Identify, sack tainted cops, lekhpals: Yogi

Expressing his displeasure at the complaints of alleged extortion by some police personnel and lekhpals, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday instructed senior officials to identify such tainted employees and sack them.

“There are complaints of extortion by a few police personnel at police stations and certain lekhpals. Such complaints are continuously pouring in. Identify such police personnel and lekhpals and dismiss them,” Yogi said.

Yogi issued these instructions in a meeting at Circuit House where he reviewed development projects, law and order in the region.

“Ensure strict action against those involved in exploitation of public. There must be action against such people,” the CM said, instructing officials to take action against such police personnel who allowed entry of heavy vehicles to roads where it was prohibited.

Yogi directed the officials to avoid getting into the game of figures and focus on achieving the goal of completing development projects on time instead.

He advised construction agency officials to change their work culture and complete projects with quality work and standard.

The CM also instructed the divisional commissioner Varanasi and the district magistrate to review progress of under-construction projects every week to expedite pace of work.

He said the roads across Varanasi district should be repaired by carrying out a drive by departments concerned and there should be no laxity in it.

Instructing public works department officials to make roads across Kashi completely free of potholes, Yogi said roads of Varanasi should look new.

“I will get back within 10 days and if change is not visible by then, action would be there for sure. Quality in construction work should be the top priority. Any compromise will lead to strict action,” the chief minister added.

He further said the common man’s problems should be addressed effectively and it should be ensured that issues related to caste, income and domicile certificates were addressed within three days. It would solve 70 to 80 percent problems of public, he said.

Yogi also pointed out complaints of irregularities in distribution of food grains received during the last two months.

“It should be ensured that the public is receiving food grains from fair price shops without any problem. Take strict action against the middlemen,” the CM said. He fixed December deadline for completing work of channelisation of Varuna corridor.