DEHRADUN – In a significant move to bridge the gap between the administration and the common citizen, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired a high-level public grievance hearing (Jan Sunwai) at the Mukhya Sevak Sadan, located within the Chief Minister’s official residence in Dehradun.
The event, which saw hundreds of citizens traveling from remote districts across the state, underscores the government’s commitment to “Antyodaya”—the philosophy of serving the last person in the queue.
Direct Dialogue with the People
From the early hours of the morning, the Mukhya Sevak Sadan was bustling with activity as people from various backgrounds, including students, farmers, and social workers, gathered to present their concerns directly to the Chief Minister.
CM Dhami spent several hours personally reviewing applications and listening to the verbal testimonies of the attendees. The grievances spanned a wide range of sectors, primarily focusing on:
- Infrastructure: Requests for road repairs and better connectivity in hilly terrains.
- Essential Services: Issues regarding consistent drinking water supply and electricity billing.
- Health and Education: Applications for financial assistance for medical treatments and improvements in local school facilities.
- Land and Administration: Disputes related to land records and delays in obtaining government certificates.
Accountability and Strict Instructions to Officials
During the hearing, Chief Minister Dhami expressed his firm stance on administrative accountability. He emphasized that the primary goal of the “Mukhya Sevak” (Chief Servant) model is to ensure that the public does not have to run from pillar to post for basic rights.
Addressing the departmental secretaries and district officials present, the CM issued a stern warning against bureaucratic delays.
He further directed that every grievance registered during the session must be entered into a digital tracking system to ensure a time-bound resolution. He instructed officials to provide status updates to the complainants via SMS or phone calls to maintain transparency.
On-the-Spot Resolutions
In several instances, the Chief Minister provided immediate relief by directing officials to issue orders on the spot. This proactive approach was particularly evident in cases involving urgent medical financial aid and pension-related discrepancies for senior citizens and widows.
A group of Anganwadi workers also met with the CM to discuss their welfare concerns. The Chief Minister assured them that the state government is sensitive to their contributions and is actively working on policies to improve their working conditions.
A Government for the “Vibrant Villages”
Reflecting on the session, CM Dhami noted that these public hearings provide the state leadership with “grassroots-level insights” that data and files cannot capture. He reiterated that the development of border areas—the “Vibrant Villages”—remains a top priority for his administration.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the feedback received during these sessions would directly influence upcoming policy decisions, particularly those concerning the tourism sector and agricultural subsidies, ensuring that state schemes are tailored to the actual needs of the Himalayan region.
The Path Forward
The Dehradun hearing is part of a larger initiative where District Magistrates across Uttarakhand have been instructed to hold similar sessions every working day for at least one hour. By decentralizing the grievance redressal mechanism, the Dhami government aims to foster a culture of “Pro-Active Governance” and “Simplified Procedures.”
As the session concluded, many citizens expressed their satisfaction with the direct access to the state’s leadership. For a state with challenging topography like Uttarakhand, such initiatives serve as a vital lifeline for residents in the far-flung corners of the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions.
