Rajasthan is the most progressive state in the country: Manjit Singh

It’s been an uninterrupted 4-year stint at Local Self Governance Department. What are the top five schemes in which the department has excelled?

Completing long pending work and at the same time taking new initiatives was a big challenge during the last four years. The government was also proactive in rolling out new schemes which are the game changes. Schemes like Annapurna Rasoi Yojana, LED Street Light Project, Chief Minister Jal Swavalamban Yojana, Smart Raj e- Governance Project, Master Plan's GPS Mapping and Model Building Bylaws were a few which could be counted as major achievements for the department. Besides, we also started the long awaited recruitment process.

How do you rate your work?

We have been able to carry out outstanding work in all the schemes of central government. Rajasthan is the most progressive state in the country.

What has been done to improve the conditions of urban local bodies?

For many years audit of urban bodies were not done. We completed the audit which wil improve the balance sheets of these bodies. The urban bodies have become financially and technically more sound.   We have completed the pending work of Phase II of RUIDP and the Phase III is underway. We have applied Double Data Account Entry System in Urban Bodies to improve the accounting procedures. The new initiatives taken towards urbanisation will improve living conditions of urban citizens in the coming days. We also look for 24X7 water supply projects in few areas.

How has been your experience so far? Are you satisfied with what you could achieve?

I have already worked in the development of urban sector in my earlier postings. I am satisfied with my contribution. I always try to give my best shot.

You are retiring this month. You have started a lot of new initiatives. How much will it benefit your successor?

We have made a six month road map for urban bodies projects. We have set up a definite time line for each project under this roadmap. We will be able to complete all projects in a time bound manner without affecting the routine development work.