Andhra Pradesh government's all-out efforts to provide transparent and socially accountable governance and its commitment and dedication to the timely redressal of people's grievances has now been recognised by an international agency.
Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy had been insisting for all district collectors to adopt socially accountable governance.
Against this backdrop, the office of the District Collector, Medak, was awarded the SA-8000 certification, the first governmental department in Asia to win the coveted international recognition.
In this connection, the chief minister said the government would give utmost priority to good governance and speedy redressal of people's grievances. The administration should always be at the doorstep of the common man, involving people's participation, he added.
An audit was carried out by the international agency on January 8 and 9 and they verified the implementation. An assessment report was drawn up and submitted to a certification committee in Genova, Italy, which awarded the certification.
The focus of the audit was management of social issues such as child labour, forced labour, health and safety, freedom from discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, remuneration and management practices.
The international agency in a communication to the chief minister appreciated proactive District Collector B Venkatesham and his staff. "We applaud his foresightedness and commitment, which may help us in achieving the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations," they added.
The agency said periodical visits would be made every six months for the verification of continuous compliance.
Promotion of Globally Recognised Certification to areas across the state would lead to further economic growth following the active participation of people in the economic agenda of the government.
The agency applauded Medak district administration for providing all basic amenities.
Social Accountability International applauded and supported the determination of Venkatesham and the entire staff in the collectorate. It said Medak district had made a significant and distinctive commitment towards the betterment of the lives of underprivileged rural citizens. This work could make an indelible impression on social workers in the area, and help them to be more effective.
Reddy asked other district administrations in the state to emulate the Medak model, and wanted them to replicate the same in their areas.
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