OFFICERS TO MONITOR ROAD SEGMENTS FOR ENHANCED URBAN INFRA: DR. RAVJOT SINGH
Chandigarh, May 22:
Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today announced a groundbreaking initiative of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government to transform urban infrastructure maintenance through direct officer accountability.
Speaking at a press conference at Punjab Bhawan here, Dr. Ravjot Singh unveiled the comprehensive ‘Punjab Road Cleanliness Mission’ that will assign road segments to Class-I officers across the state for daily monitoring and maintenance oversight.
“This initiative marks a paradigm shift from traditional governance to accountability-driven administration,” said Dr. Ravjot Singh, adding that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, we are moving beyond departmental silos to create a collaborative field action model where senior officers lead from the front.
The Cabinet Minister stressed that roads are the arteries of our cities and towns. When they are clean, well-lit and well-maintained, the lifeblood of governance and economic activity flows smoothly.”
Divulging further about officer accountability system under Punjab Road Cleanliness Mission, the Cabinet Minister said that each Class-I officer including Deputy Commissioners, Municipal Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs), Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Executive Officers will be assigned approximately 10 km road stretches. The officers concerned will take personal responsibility for proper upkeep of designated road segments and ensure daily inspections mandated with comprehensive reporting mechanisms.
The Cabinet Minister informed that assigned officers will ensure timely pothole repairs, clear and visible road markings and painting, safe and accessible footpaths, functional streetlights, regular waste collection and sanitation and general cleanliness and civic upkeep. This monitoring approach will ensure that every aspect of road infrastructure receive dedicated attention from senior administrative officials, he added.
He said that the initiative incorporates cutting-edge technology integration including mobile applications with AI tools and camera support for real-time inspection data capture, visual reporting and automated analytics capabilities. Besides this, walkie-talkies will be provided for instant communication and coordination, while district-level WhatsApp groups will facilitate quick issue reporting and resolution tracking among all stakeholders.
To ensure systematic implementation, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that all districts must submit detailed data including officer assignments, road segment coordinates with latitude and longitude points and Google Maps plotting to facilitate GIS-based monitoring and future application to enable complete tracking and integration into advanced monitoring systems.
Dr. Ravjot Singh outlined that specific implementation orders will be issued at Deputy Commissioner level for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in each district, with mandatory weekly progress reviews to ensure continuous monitoring and improvement. “We are creating a system where officers don’t just administer from behind desks but become custodians of Punjab’s infrastructure as responsible citizens,” he added.
Highlighting expected outcomes, the Cabinet Minister said that the expected transformation includes improved public infrastructure and services, increased accountability and leadership among officers, enhanced proactive governance and community trust and systematic elevation of urban living standards across Punjab.
Instructions have been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners and heads of Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils for strict compliance, with coordination through the CEO, Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Company (PMIDC) in the Department of Local Government, he added.
“This is not merely a routine administrative instruction but a call to action for transformative governance,” said Dr. Ravjot Singh, adding that every officer will become a partner in making Punjab one of the cleanest and most livable states in India. Let us make this a collective mission where every officer will become a custodian of Punjab’s roads – not just as administrators, but as citizens with a shared stake in the future of our towns and cities.”
