Andhra Pradesh

Rural boy heads Patna

B. Rajender

ADILABAD: This backward district exercises some influence on the administration in Bihar, albeit limited to its capital city for the time being. Though it sounds preposterous, the claim is true because Patna is administratively headed by IAS officer B. Rajender who hails from Kouta (B) village in Boath mandal of this district.

Rajender, who holds a Ph.D. in agriculture, was selected to the Bihar cadre in 1995. He has been Collector and District Magistrate of various districts since 1999 including his current service in Patna for the last 30 months.

The only direct recruit IAS from this district is here on a personal visit.

A tête-À-tête with The Hindu on Monday revealed that he is not only strong in convictions, but displays a simplicity that is the hallmark of Adilabad.

The optimist in him makes the Collector swear by the positive atmosphere prevalent in Bihar for progress and growth. “That Bihar is an unruly State is nothing but a misconception”, this Bihar protagonist contends.

In order to buttress his contention, Dr. Rajender says new industries are being set up in the State. The health system has been a grand success as the State government provides free medicines. Primary health centres are open all 24 hours of the day. Number of patients visiting the PHCs is phenomenal.

The rate of institutional deliveries is comparable with that of some of the more developed states”, he says.

The Patna Collector has introduced ‘citizen’s charter’ in his administration on the lines of Andhra Pradesh. Besides, he has ensured handing over of retirement benefits to the employees concerned on the day of their retirement. “I have also drawn up time limit for government staff at all levels on disposal of work”, he adds.

Dr. Rajender hails from a very humble background. His advice to the youth, especially those from deprived sections is to have clarity in terms of goals and perseverance in terms of achievement.

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