IAS officer of the 2011 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre, Mr. Ravindra Kumar Singh, who is currently the District Magistrate of Bulandsheher in Uttar Pradesh, is quite a versatile man. He is an adventure junkie who has climbed on the top of Mt. Everest twice, from both the South and Chinese sides. But his valor and hard work do not just limit to that. He is a diligent and honest IAS officer who believes in developing his district and works to make his people’s lives better.
In this second part of the conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Kumar threw light on his initiatives and efforts for his people.
KEEPING COVID UNDER CONTROL
When the nation went under lockdown, Mr. Kumar worked day and night to assure his people that they would be taken care of. Elaborate campaigns of distributing dry ration amongst the people in need were also taken out.
“When the lockdown was announced on 24th March 2020, we saw people in thousands walking along the roads in a desperate attempt to reach their homes, which is when we went on the ground to distribute dry ration amongst them. We also took care of their needs as they were stuck away from home with limited resources. We made arrangements for their transportation and distributed masks and medicines to them” Mr. Kumar told Indian Masterminds
Making use of technology, the DM used robots for carrying food and medicines to patients so as to prevent virus exposure to health workers. He also launched scanning machines to detect Covid19 in people. For the people who lost their jobs, he came up with a scheme to provide them with money and food during those hard-hitting days
MISSION SHAKTI
Mr. Kumar has launched various campaigns on block and tehsil levels under Mission Shakti, to spread awareness about women empowerment and the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme.
Mission Shakti also prevents sexual harassment of women in offices and public places. In such cases, the victim is taken care of and hard actions are taken against the culprit. Through the mission, he plans to make women self-dependent and financially strong.
With the Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Mr. Kumar has established plant nurseries, taking help from the MGNREGA budget, and employed women in them. Through this initiative, not only the women would receive help by getting employment but even nature would benefit from it.
“I have always promoted girl child education and tried to help them in my full capacity. Under ‘Kanya Sumangla Yojna’, many eligible girl children from poor family were helped. Under another scheme called ‘Rani Laxmi Bai Mahila evam Bal Samman Kosh’, we are providing assistance to violence-affected women for treatment and rehabilitation.” he told Indian Masterminds.
Mr. Kumar is also employing women in the embroidery business, which will help them showcase their talent and earn money from it.
TAKING CARE OF DESTITUTE COWS
Making use of Government schemes to protect the waif cows roaming around on the streets in the district, Mr. Kumar established 134 ‘goushalas’ (cow shelters) in rural areas and 20 in urban areas.
Said Mr. Kumar, “The 154 gaushalas consist of around 12,500 destitute cows. In this way, we take care of them, provide them with shelter and food, and medically treat the sick and weak ones. They are running successfully today and we have been able to protect thousands of cows.”
CHILDREN’S PARK OUT OF A DUMPSTER
Under the Swatch Bharat Mission, Mr. Kumar brought his vision to work when he transformed a garbage dumping zone into a beautiful play area for children. In the Bheemnagar area, he established the Children’s park after getting the entire garbage dump zone cleaned and sanitized.
The area was filled up with garbage dump and stank really bad. It looked horrible and was a stain on the city when Mr. Kumar decided to give it a facelift. Thanks to his efforts, the place is now totally transformed using about four lakh rupees from the 14th Finance Commission.
The District Administration planted numerous trees in the area along with installing swings and slides for the children and painting the area with bright colors. It’s now a happy place to be in, both for the children and the adults.
