In a significant move towards improving governance and public trust, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has revived the public grievance hearing system, 16 years after it was discontinued. The reactivation of the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell symbolizes the breaking down of barriers between the public and the government, ushering in a new era of transparency and accountability.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the importance of this initiative in his address, stating, “The first priority of the state government is to listen to the people’s grievances and resolve them. For this, from the grassroots to the district and state levels, we are reviving the system of hearing public grievances to benefit the people.”
Breaking Down Barriers
Under the previous administration, the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell was largely inactive, with cases being resolved at the officials’ level. This often left citizens feeling disconnected from the highest levels of government. “For the last few years during the last regime, there was an iron wall between the people and the administration. Today, we dismantled the iron wall. The Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell has started again,” Majhi declared.
The revival has already seen a positive response, with many people, including differently-abled individuals, turning up to meet Majhi and lodge their grievances. Majhi assured that every Monday, grievances will be heard, and efforts will be made to operate the system efficiently.
Efficient Grievance Resolution
To ensure effective grievance resolution, Majhi has directed government officials to find immediate solutions. Grievance cells have been established in all 30 districts, enabling issues to be addressed at the district level, thereby reducing the number of complaints reaching the state level. “Action has been taken on around 99 percent of the grievances received during the programme,” Majhi noted.
Commitment to Election Promises
The move to revive the grievance cell comes alongside the BJP’s commitment to fulfill its election promises. On the same day, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) reminded the Majhi government of its promise to waive electricity bills up to 300 units, a key pledge during the election campaign.
The BJP had promised to implement the PM Surya Ghar Mufti Bijli Yojana, which includes a ₹75,000 subsidy for installing rooftop solar panels, allowing consumers to use up to 300 units for free and sell the excess to the government. The BJD called on the BJP to announce the implementation of this scheme promptly.
Conclusion
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s revival of the grievance cell is a clear indication of his commitment to transparent governance and public service. By reopening channels of communication and ensuring grievances are addressed effectively, Majhi is demonstrating his dedication to the people of Odisha. This initiative, coupled with the fulfillment of election promises, sets a strong foundation for the BJP-led government to build a more responsive and inclusive administration.
Majhi’s decisive actions are not only breaking down barriers but also setting a precedent for accountable governance, making him a formidable leader in Odisha’s political landscape.