Suryapet’s innovative start-ups make it stand out

Privileged to be Collectors at the right time, says K. Surendra Mohan

Suryapet District Collector K. Surendra Mohan in an exclusive interview to The Hindu .

What makes Suryapet district stand out on the State map? The answer from administrative circles is the district’s innovative start-ups and its ‘model mission’.

“Thanks to the Government for giving Collectors a free hand,” says district Collector – K. Surendra Mohan, IAS.

Speaking to

The Hindu in an exclusive interview, he says, “Privileged to be Collectors at the right time.”

Of late, the district has been coming up with several initiatives and setting a ‘model’ for others. Suryapet district, carved out of the erstwhile Nalgonda, has been selected for pilot projects like modern salons for barbers, mechanised washing system for washermen, Janahitha - an integrated grievance system and a e-PHC.

Exercising their discretion to take up programmes without waiting for approvals, the Collector can use up to ₹5 crore in a year from the Crucial Balance Fund. “Also the District Mineral Development Fund is being used in those areas,” he said.

Of global standards

The administration has already sanctioned and set up a modern anganwadi centre, modelled on the lines of play schools ‘matching any international school in the cities’. A recently inaugurated centre in Chevemla mandal has been drawing appreciation for creating a recreational atmosphere for learning.

‘Positive citizens’

“All at ₹4.90 lakh per centre. This can prepare children to be creative and positive citizens,” he added.

On education in the district, he said English is being promoted as the medium of instruction as a pilot project for Class X students. “Trainers would be employed to conduct teach the teacher workshops,” he said.

Already the welfare staff in the 84 hostels, for SC, BC and minorities were replaced by administrative staff like Commissioners, RDOs and Planning officers. This he said “will change the institutionalised behaviour of employees to deliver better and also sensitise administration.”

Quality health care

Continuing its goal of quality health services, he said the Area hospital was sanctioned ₹70 lakh and works are well under way.

All the general wards in government hospitals were air-conditioned and RO water plants - fitted. Twenty three PHCs in the district are also readying their action plans, he added.

With decentralisation of power as the formula, Mr. Surendra Mohan said the feeling of ownership in government can be created only if employees are given recognition and made partners in the process. “Maximum delivery, through minimum intervention,” he said.

Haritha Haram

The administration has set a target of 1.30 crore saplings to be planted under 'Haritha Haram' by August.

It has also received a mention for its performance in digital literacy drive, India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF-OI), and for maximum blood donations from a district.

However, he says, challenges in the administration would appear once the funds exhaust.

Excepting hospitals, only pilot projects and models were created in select villages.

“To replicate these models in all administrative units, it would take up around Rs. 300 crore, which any administration would feel the crunch.” “All thanks to my staff, public representatives and the people of Suryapet,” he signed off.

Mr. Surendra Mohan is a Group I officer of the 1996 batch and was promoted as conferred Indian Administrative Officer in 2012.