Guwahati: The credibility of government service delivery under the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) has come under sharp criticism after the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) office in Jalah, Baksa district, was found locked and unmanned during official working hours. Journalists visiting the premises on Tuesday were met with a deserted building and unattended office property left outside, despite it being well past noon—specifically 12:22 PM.
The absence of staff raised serious questions about the administrative discipline within a key public welfare institution. The CDPO office operates under the Social Welfare Department of both the Assam and BTC governments, tasked with delivering vital services to vulnerable populations, including women and children. Yet, during a surprise media visit, not a single officer or employee was found on duty, compromising both accountability and the security of public assets.
Two staff members eventually arrived but were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the prolonged closure. When asked, they claimed they had gone out for tea, seemingly unaware of the inappropriateness of leaving a government office entirely locked during working hours. Their response only added fuel to the controversy, with one staff member allegedly turning hostile and accusing the journalists of exceeding their limits when questioned further.
The incident has not only triggered public criticism but has also exposed troubling gaps in work culture across some BTC-administered offices. With increasing expectations for transparency and citizen-focused governance, residents and watchdogs now look to the BTC administration to investigate the matter and take disciplinary action. Whether this breach will be addressed or quietly overlooked remains to be seen.
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