Seeram Sambasiva Rao, who took over as Kozhikode Collector on Thursday, said his priorities would include people-friendly smart governance with a focus on quick processing of administrative files by upscaling the e-office facility.
Mr. Rao, who until recently led the Kerala State IT Mission, told reporters that an electronic facility would be developed soon for streamlining the e-submission of files and its proper monitoring. “It will be executed as the first priority besides ensuring continuity for all the previously initiated social development projects,” he said.
Mr. Rao said the improvement of basic facilities in schools and hospitals would be his second priority area. “We want to improve the quality of service in all areas of public life and efforts will be taken to address the concerns in these areas,” he explained.
IT and tourism
Mr. Rao, who was instrumental in planning and implementing a number of innovative schemes under the IT Mission, said he would strive to improve the job opportunities of youths in the IT sector by exploring the existing possibilities of the two Cyberparks. He promised that there would be efforts to attract potential investors and employers from other States.
On his plan to develop the tourism amenities in the district, he said his previous experience in heading some of the innovative destination development projects for Wayanad district during his stint as a Sub Collector there would help him plan better for Kozhikode. “In Wayanad, the destination development projects were planned with the cooperation and involvement of tribespeople and it was a big success. A suitable plan will be considered for Kozhikode too,” he said.
To questions related to the yet-to-be controlled quarrying in environmentally sensitive areas, Mr. Rao said he would be able to respond on such issues only after a thorough study. He also reiterated the same stance when asked about his opinion on reviewing the ban on the entry of vehicles on the renovated S.M. Street.
