Ground Zero Governance: IAS Amit Kumar wades through rivers, Holds Public Meetings Under Trees
Sukma, July 21, 2026 : In a remarkable outreach initiative aimed at taking governance to the grassroots, Sukma Collector Amit Kumar and District Panchayat CEO Mukund Thakur visited the remote forest villages of Gumodi, Kondasavali and Tarlaguda, crossing two rivers to reach the interior areas.
Without any formal arrangements, the officials sat on the ground with villagers and held public grievance meetings under tamarind and mango trees, listening to their concerns and directing officials to resolve issues related to electricity, forest rights, healthcare, education and other basic civic amenities.
Despite continuous rainfall throughout the visit, the administration remained engaged with residents, reinforcing public confidence in governance in one of Chhattisgarh’s most remote and Naxal-affected regions.
On-the-Spot Resolution of Public Grievances
Several complaints were resolved immediately during the inspection, while officials were instructed to ensure time-bound action on pending issues. Collector Amit Kumar also assured villagers that development works, including roads, electricity and culverts, would be taken up on priority.
In Gumodi village, the Collector reviewed the implementation of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, tendu leaf payment, healthcare and education services. Following complaints about missing land records, he ordered a special revenue camp to issue fresh documents.
During his visit to the government primary school, Kumar interacted with students and appreciated their learning abilities. He immediately approved the construction of paving blocks, a boundary wall and a new kitchen for the school.
Villager Asked to Call 108 Ambulance Service
While inspecting the Kondasavali Sub-Health Centre, the Collector directed officials to provide an ambulance as demanded by villagers. He also ordered the construction of ramps, yoga sheds, soak pits and other essential infrastructure.
At the newly built Good Governance Centre in Tarlaguda, Kumar asked a villager to dial the 108 emergency ambulance service to assess awareness and response. After the call was successfully answered, he emphasized that emergency healthcare services must reach even the last person in remote areas.
PM Housing Funds Released After Immediate Intervention
In Tarlaguda, two beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) complained that housing assistance had not reached their bank accounts. An on-the-spot inquiry revealed that the accounts had been placed under a technical hold. The Collector instructed officials to remove the hold immediately, clearing the way for fund disbursement.
Public Meeting Continued Despite Heavy Rain
Even as heavy rain lashed Kondasavali, the grievance meeting continued. Holding an umbrella, Collector Amit Kumar stood among villagers and continued hearing their concerns. He directed officials to restore electricity connections within three days and assured that eligible residents would receive Forest Rights Act (FRA) land titles through a special camp within 45 days.
“Good Governance Should Be Seen in Villages, Not Just in Files”
Concluding the visit, Collector Amit Kumar said he would return after the completion of the Good Governance Centre to review the implementation of the promised works. His visit has been widely seen as a significant step towards strengthening trust between the administration and people living in Sukma’s remote and Naxal-affected villages.
