The release said Patel had visited Vadodara, Karjan and Savli talukas and toured several schools, panchayat offices and health centres. Four village talatis absent from duty were suspended with immediate effect, District Development Officer Anju Sharma said.

She added that Patel visited about a dozen villages under these two talukas as a part of his new drive to check alleged lethargy of the Panchayat and other government officials and also held detailed meetings with senior officials. Patel also took fresh stock of developmental activities there, she added.