In an unusual move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked all secretaries to visit district of their first posting and present a report card on progress with a view to improving implementation of government programmes. The secretaries, according to a letter by the Department of Personnel and Training, have been advised to take their families along for such visits. The report card would have to be submitted by the end of this month. They have also been asked to stay in their respective districts for at least three days and meet all the stakeholders involved in developmental activities including district level officers, sources said. In a communication to all the secretaries, the Department of Personnel and Training has asked them to "feel the difference" and suggest changes in policy if required for effective implementation of ongoing programmes. Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth, according to sources, has already visited his first place of posting. The letter also said that officers should visit the district of the state where they have served for about one year. This initiative forms part of the exercise of the Modi-government to improve implementation of various schemes as well as enhance government-people interactions. There are 93 secretaries in the government of India, as of January 1.
