Treat people with respect, resolve grievances promptly: Bihar CM to officials

Patna, Jul 14 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday directed officials to treat citizens with respect and ensure the prompt, fair and time-bound resolution of their grievances, asserting that public service remains the government's highest priority. Launching the state-level Sahyog programme here, Choudhary said the initiative would provide a fresh review mechanism for applicants dissatisfied with the disposal of their grievances at lower levels. He said the government's objective is to ensure transparent, impartial and time-bound redressal of every citizen's grievance. "All government officials in the state have been directed to treat citizens with respect and ensure the prompt resolution of their problems," a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) quoted him as saying. Choudhary said Sahyog camps, organised at the panchayat level on the first and third Tuesday of every month, have already helped resolve grievances of a large number of people. The state-level programme, to be held on the 14th of every month at the Cabinet Secretariat in Patna, will hear cases of applicants who remain dissatisfied despite approaching lower-level grievance redressal mechanisms, he said. "The objective of the Sahyog programme will be fulfilled only when people are satisfied with the resolution of their grievances," the CM said, directing authorities to initiate strict action against officials found negligent or uncooperative in disposing of applications. A total of 129 applications were received for the inaugural Sahyog programme. Of these, 100 applicants attended in person and their grievances were addressed, the statement said. Choudhary instructed officials to ensure that every complaint is disposed of fairly, efficiently and within the stipulated timeframe to strengthen public confidence in the administration. He also directed that applications should not be rejected outright due to incomplete documentation. Instead, applicants should be informed of the deficiencies and given an opportunity to furnish the required documents so that no eligible beneficiary is denied government schemes on technical grounds. Choudhary said the government aims to resolve grievances within 30 days through the Sahyog programme. Observing that complaints reaching his office reflected lapses at the grassroots level, he asked Circle Officers, BDOs, SDOs, deputy collectors (land reforms) and district magistrates to closely monitor grievance redressal. Divisional commissioners and departmental secretaries were also directed to regularly review decisions taken at different administrative levels, the statement said. PTI PKD SOM