SDO Caught Watching YouTube During Samadhan Diwas in UP: Viral Video Leads to Demand for Explanation
BULANDSHAHR, Uttar Pradesh — In a recent viral video that has raised eyebrows, an SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer) from the electricity department was caught watching YouTube during the Samadhan Diwas event in Siyana Tehsil, Bulandshahr. The event, which is held to address public grievances, saw the officer distracted on his phone, a moment that was captured on camera and rapidly spread across social media.
The incident has sparked concern among local officials, with Siyana SDM Gajendra Singh confirming that a formal explanation will be sought from the SDO, Mahesh Vikalp. The controversy has also caught the attention of the higher authorities in the PVVNL (Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited), who have promised an investigation into the matter.
Samadhan Diwas: A Platform for Resolving Public Grievances
Samadhan Diwas, a program initiated under the governance of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is designed to provide a swift resolution to public grievances by bringing various government officials together in one place. It mandates the presence of all relevant officers from different departments to ensure that complaints are heard and acted upon promptly.
The viral video of the SDO, however, has cast a shadow on the purpose of the event. While the SDM and other officials were engaged in addressing public petitions, the SDO was caught scrolling through YouTube on his phone. The footage was recorded by an attendee and quickly spread online, leading to widespread criticism of the official’s behavior during such a critical event.
Official Reactions: Calls for Accountability
Responding to the viral video, SDM Gajendra Singh expressed his dismay and promised immediate action. "This is a serious issue," he said. "Samadhan Diwas is meant for public hearings and resolving complaints, and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated. An explanation will be sought from the concerned officer, and appropriate measures will be taken if found guilty of misconduct."
Singh also issued a stern warning to all officers involved in Samadhan Diwas, emphasizing that the program is a priority event for addressing public issues and that any lapses will result in disciplinary action.
PVVNL Chief Engineer Orders Investigation
In response to the incident, Rajeev Agarwal, the Chief Engineer of PVVNL in Bulandshahr, stated that he was unaware of the video until it went viral. He has ordered an investigation into the matter and assured the public that negligence during official duties would not be tolerated.
"Government duties are of the utmost importance, and any misconduct or carelessness will be dealt with strictly," Agarwal stated. "The viral video will be thoroughly reviewed, and appropriate action will follow based on the investigation's findings."
Previous Incidents of Official Negligence
This incident is not the first time that officials have been caught misbehaving or neglecting their duties during Samadhan Diwas in Uttar Pradesh. There have been prior reports of officers either dozing off or using their phones during public hearings. Such incidents undermine the very purpose of the event, which is aimed at creating an efficient platform for citizens to have their grievances resolved without unnecessary delays.
The viral video from Siyana highlights the challenges the government faces in ensuring that officials maintain focus and professionalism during public service events.
Ensuring Accountability in Public Service
The viral video of the SDO watching YouTube during Samadhan Diwas has once again brought to light issues of accountability and professionalism within government services. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. With public confidence at stake, officials will need to work harder to ensure that the intent behind programs like Samadhan Diwas is respected and upheld.
