Command of CMO to an ACS yields results

Jaipur: Positive results are emerging after handing over the command of CMO to a senior IAS of ACS level for the first time. Many things are being seen for the first time. 1993 batch IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal has shown a new path to the importance of this chair, showcasing its active and positive impact on governance. It would be worthwhile to discuss a recent step taken on Wednesday wherein traditionally it is the finance department which usually looks after the treasury of the state. However, the CMO under Agrawal has probably become active in this field for the first time. Agrawal sent details of the state fund pending with the Government of India to all ACS, Principal Secretaries and Secretaries and requested that they should make efforts to get the details of the funds from the concerned ministry.

The CMO at his level has collected details of the outstanding amount of Central Sponsored schemes (CSS) in the GoI. The details are as follows:

• Agriculture & Horticulture Dept: Rs 210.49 cr
• Medical and Health Dept: Rs 227.89 cr
• School Education Department: Rs 1,800 crore
• Rural Development Department: Rs 1181 cr
• WCD Department: Rs 286.76 cr
• Social Justice Department: Rs 273 cr

Apart from this, details of other pending funds have also been collected, and a request has been made to officers to get this amount released. ACS Agrawal has also sent this message to all the officers saying that “Copies of the latest requests sent may be made available to us for follow-up.”

Additionally, Agrawal actively shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise during senior officers’ meetings with the CM. During a recent three-hour marathon session involving all ACS, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries with the Chief Minister, when the topic of PHED arose, Shikhar intervened decisively, ensuring a judicious decision was reached. PHED Secretary Samit Sharma proposed allocating a contingency fund of Rs 25 lakh to each district for drinking water. Based on his experience, Agrawal expressed his views that Rs 25 lakh will be less; it should be Rs 50 lakh. The CM agreed to Shikhar and approved Rs 50 lakh. In the past, the Principal Secretary to the CM had rarely attended officers’ meetings in the field, but this time when CM Bhajan Lal Sharma went to Bharatpur, ACS Shikhar Agrawal also accompanied him for the first time. In a significant gathering of Divisional-level officers, Agrawal was observed seated alongside the CM, marking a notable precedent. Evidently, the CM is according prominence to his ACS. Shikhar Agrawal is well known for his diligent work ethic, results-driven approach, and exacting standards. His tenure at JDA has been distinguished and while leveraging extensive experience both at State and Central governments, Agrawal tirelessly endeavours to carve out a fresh identity for CMO.