From setting up 24/7 medical camps in flood-hit villages to issuing strict deadlines for school repairs, see how District Magistrate Raveesh Gupta is making an immediate and hands-on impact across Basti.
Basti, Uttar Pradesh - In recent months, Basti's District Magistrate (DM), Raveesh Gupta, has been actively working to improve the lives of the people in the district. He has been visiting different areas to check on local problems. His recent visits show a strong focus on flood relief, education, and empowering young women. These actions are aimed at making the government's work more effective and helpful for everyone in Basti.
Just last month, in August 2025, DM Gupta traveled to areas affected by the Saryu river floods. He went by motorboat to see the situation in the village of Suvikhababu. This hands-on approach allowed him to talk directly with the villagers and see their problems for himself. He wanted to make sure that help was reaching the people who needed it the most.
Immediate Action for Flood Relief
During his visit to the flooded village, DM Raveesh Gupta saw how much people's lives were disrupted. The rising water had damaged homes and farms. The DM inspected the local panchayat building, which was being used as a relief center. He noticed that it did not have basic things like chairs and tables.
He immediately ordered the officials to provide all necessary items. A key instruction was to set up a 24-hour medical camp in the panchayat building. He stressed that doctors must be available at all times to handle any health emergencies. This was very important because floods can often lead to diseases.
The DM also told the officials to quickly assess the damage to the crops. He said that a report should be made right away so that farmers could get money for their losses as soon as possible. This showed his commitment to helping the large farming community in Basti, which depends on their crops to live. His quick decisions were aimed at providing immediate comfort to the affected families.
Improving Education and Schools
Besides disaster management, DM Gupta has also paid close attention to education. In June 2025, he made a surprise visit to the Government Inter College in Basti. He wanted to check the condition of the school building and the progress of repair work.
During his inspection, he looked at classrooms, the science lab, and other parts of the school. He saw that some repair work, like plastering, was done, but other important projects had not even started. For example, work on a rainwater harvesting system and a new interlocking road had not begun.
The DM was not happy with the slow progress. He gave clear instructions to the agency in charge of the construction. He told them that all the work must be finished by November 2025, before the board exams begin. This deadline shows that he wants to provide students with a safe and proper learning environment. A good school building is important for students to study well.
Empowering Girls with 'Mission Shakti'
One of DM Raveesh Gupta's most inspiring actions was part of the "Mission Shakti" program. This government program aims to promote the safety and self-reliance of women and girls. Under this initiative, the DM made a Class 12 student, Sakshi, the District Magistrate of Basti for one day.
This was a powerful symbolic act. Sakshi sat in the DM's chair and listened to the problems of people who came to the office. She even gave orders to government officers to solve these problems. DM Gupta sat next to her, guiding her and showing his support.
Sakshi said that her dream was to join the civil services and that sitting in the DM's chair was a great honor. DM Gupta explained that the goal of this program was to inspire other girls. He said that more girl students would be given similar opportunities in other government departments. This initiative helps to build confidence in young women and encourages them to dream big.
Understanding the Role of a District Magistrate
The District Magistrate is the most important government officer in a district. The DM is responsible for many things, from maintaining law and order to making sure that government schemes reach the public. The DM's office, known as the Collectorate, is the center of administration for the entire district.
The work of a DM is very challenging. They have to manage many different departments, such as the police, health, education, and agriculture. They also have to be ready to handle emergencies like floods, droughts, or other disasters. The DM is the link between the state government and the people of the district. The active and visible approach of DM Raveesh Gupta shows his dedication to fulfilling these many responsibilities.
Basti: A District with Challenges and Potential
Basti is a district in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. The economy of Basti is mainly based on agriculture. Farmers grow sugarcane, rice, wheat, and many other crops. The district is also known for its bamboo and mango trees. There are some small-scale industries here, including sugar factories and units that make brassware and other goods.
However, Basti faces many challenges. It is considered one of the more backward districts in the state. Flooding is a regular problem, especially in areas near the rivers. This causes huge losses for farmers and disrupts daily life. The district administration is always working to improve things like roads, electricity, schools, and hospitals.
The work of the Basti DM is very important for the development of the district. The recent actions of DM Raveesh Gupta in flood relief and education are positive steps. By focusing on these basic needs, the administration can help make life better for the 2.4 million people living in Basti.
The former DM of Basti, Andra Vamsi, was widely praised for a massive and successful campaign to clear tens of thousands of pending legal and revenue cases. This initiative brought relief to countless families caught in long-standing disputes. DM Raveesh Gupta now continues the important work of public service, focusing on new challenges and ensuring that the district's administration remains responsive to the needs of its citizens. The people of Basti are hopeful that his leadership will bring more positive changes to the district.
This video from Basti News Times reports on student leaders presenting a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the district administration, highlighting the interaction between the public and the DM's office.
