What’s next for Diamond City? Surat Collector IAS Tejas Parmar’s vision

Surat is set to get a governance upgrade. For Surat Collector Tejas Parmar, IAS (2016 batch) the focus is to strengthen the existing governance system by making everyday government services easier for citizens, using data to identify gaps and ensuring better follow-up mechanisms. “The basic concept is strengthening the governance structure within the district. That is what I would like to do” Parmar shared.

A key part is improving services delivered through the Digital Gujarat portal and other platforms. While most services are being delivered within the given time, there are still some gaps. Utilising data Analysis, Parmar wants to use the large amount of data available with the administration to find where people are facing problems and take action accordingly. “Based on that data, we can intervene where the exact issue is” he quoted.

Another focus is improving the functioning of the nearly 200-300 district level committees by exploring a central database or portal for scheduling meetings, recording issues and ensuring follow up after meetings. Beyond this, water conservation and child nutrition are important priorities. In areas facing low groundwater levels particularly tribal regions, the administration plans to focus on projects for storing and conserving water.