Raha's Excise Office Struggles Without Basic Amenities Amid Government Push for Paperless Operations
Raha Co-District Office Lacks Essential Facilities
The office is confined to a single small room with a broken roof (Photo: AT)
Raha, Oct 27: As the State government aims for a paperless office system by January 1, 2027, a government office in Raha Co-District has been operating without electricity since it opened, highlighting a significant disconnect between government promises and actual conditions.
The Co-District Excise Office, situated at Garmari within the Subdivisional Agriculture Office premises, was established to enhance excise services in the area but lacks a fundamental necessity: a power supply.
A recent visit to the office revealed alarming conditions. It is housed in a cramped room with a damaged roof, and there are no restroom facilities for either staff or visitors. Additionally, the absence of a signboard makes it challenging for individuals to find the office.
The office operates with just eight staff members, including an Inspector, and has no official vehicle or computer, managing the entire co-district under these inadequate circumstances.
Public criticism has arisen not only due to the lack of electricity but also because of the overall poor infrastructure, contradicting the government's claims of making public services "more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric."
While the government promotes e-governance and the transition to paperless offices, it is concerning that a department responsible for significant revenue is functioning under such dire conditions.
Residents and employees, who wish to remain anonymous, have called on the State government and district administration to urgently address these issues and provide the necessary infrastructure for the office.