He said this at the Lok Darbar, organised by the district administration here on Sunday. As many as 207 problems faced by residents of the district were solved at the darbar.

Patel said his government was committed to development of people residing in this tribal-dominated region and would brook no lethargy from the officials. He criticised officials for not solving local problems which are within their authority, and bringing them at darbar or at the state government level.

The action against such officials would also include transfer, he warned, criticising the negative attitude of some officials. He claimed his government had taken many a step aimed at welfare of tribals, but was not able to project a constructive image. He blamed the officials for bringing a bad name to his government.

For speedy redressal of grievances the government had come up with a scheme like Citizens' Charter, Patel said and warned the officials to take it seriously or face action. Additional chief secretary and in-charge secretary of Surat district Sudhaben Aanchalia described as a policy decision to give priority to problems faced by common men. She also came down heavily on the officials for relegating such problems to the backburner. Most problems should be solved at the district level co-ordination committee, she said.