After a hiatus of 16 years, the public grievance hearing by the Chief Minister of Odisha has been revived under the new BJP government. On July 1st, CM Mohan Majhi personally listened to the grievances of citizens from various parts of the state at the CM’s Grievance Cell in Bhubaneswar. This initiative is seen as a significant step towards enhancing governance and addressing the long-standing issues faced by the people.
A Significant Shift from the Past
Under the previous administration, led by former CM Naveen Patnaik, the public grievance cell had not been active for several years. Many citizens felt their complaints were ignored, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. The reactivation of the grievance cell by the new administration is expected to bridge the gap between the government and the people, fostering a more responsive and accountable governance structure.
A Platform for Direct Interaction
CM Mohan Majhi, along with senior officials, will now regularly hear the grievances of the public. This move has been welcomed by the citizens, who are hopeful that their issues will be addressed more effectively. The grievance hearings will be held every Monday from 11 am to 1.30 pm, providing a dedicated time for the public to voice their concerns and seek solutions.
First Day of the Grievance Hearing
On the first day of the resumed grievance hearing, a large crowd gathered at the designated venue. The registration for grievances began at 9 am, and thousands of people queued up to present their issues. The CM listened to a variety of complaints ranging from local infrastructure problems to broader policy concerns, ensuring that each issue was noted for further action.
BMC and BDA Join the Initiative
In addition to the CM’s grievance cell, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) also resumed their grievance hearings. Residents approached these bodies with issues related to open drains, vending zones, and road conditions. BMC Commissioner Rajesh Pravakar Patil assured that immediate steps would be taken to address these problems, including the installation of slabs over open drains and temporary barricades at vulnerable points.
Addressing Long-Standing Issues
One of the major complaints brought to the BMC was regarding open drains, which have been a persistent issue despite repeated complaints in the past. Commissioner Patil stated that work on these drains would be completed within one and a half months. He also mentioned that temporary measures, such as deploying pumps for localized waterlogging, are in place while permanent solutions are being developed.
A people’s Chief minister
CM Mohan Majhi has gained a reputation as a leader who is accessible and responsive to the needs of the people. His decision to personally hear grievances is seen as a testament to his commitment to resolving issues and improving the quality of life for the citizens of Odisha. This approach not only strengthens public trust in the government but also ensures that the administration remains connected to the ground realities of the state.
Moving Forward with Optimism
The revival of the public grievance hearing system marks a new chapter in Odisha’s governance. It underscores the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and active problem-solving. With CM Mohan Majhi at the helm, there is renewed optimism among the people that their voices will be heard, and their issues addressed in a timely and effective manner. This initiative sets a positive precedent for the future, fostering a more inclusive and responsive governance model in Odisha.
(With inputs from agencies)
