Ghaziabad Establishes 'Samvad Setu' District Contact and Command Centre to Improve Coordination
In a significant move to enhance coordination between elected public representatives and the administration, Ghaziabad is set to launch a District Contact and Command Centre (DCCC) named 'Samvad Setu'. This initiative follows recent concerns raised in the legislative assembly regarding repeated complaints about officials failing to respond to calls from public representatives, which has been delaying critical welfare work.
New Mechanism for Timely Responses
Under the new system, if a gazetted officer does not answer a call from a public representative within 10 minutes, the representative can report this to the command centre. The centre will then immediately alert the concerned officer and ensure a callback is made promptly. A senior district official emphasized that this coordination will be closely monitored until confirmation is received, with every interaction being digitally logged for transparency and accountability.
Implementation Details and Scope
The 'Samvad Setu' centre will operate exclusively on working days and during official hours, and it will be strictly applicable to government-issued CUG numbers. This ensures that the system is used for official purposes only, maintaining a professional environment.
Rollout Across Multiple Districts
On Wednesday, following directives from the assembly speaker, Minister of State for Social Welfare Asim Arun conducted a virtual meeting with the district magistrates of Hardoi, Ghaziabad, and Kannauj. During this meeting, it was decided that the system will be implemented in these three districts starting from February 25. Minister Arun highlighted that the primary objective is to establish direct, timely, and record-based communication between public representatives and officials, thereby preventing public welfare work from suffering due to avoidable communication gaps.
Operational Framework and Technology
The command centre will function through a dedicated smartphone and specialized software designed to record response times and maintain performance data of officers. To ensure uninterrupted operation, at least three trained operators will be deployed on a rotational and backup basis. This setup aims to provide reliable support and minimize downtime.
Enhanced Transparency and Accountability
Officials stated that the centre will also maintain real-time information about the availability of officers, including whether they are on duty, on leave, or attending training. If an official is unavailable, the public representative will be immediately informed and guided to the designated substitute official, reducing unnecessary escalation and confusion. Additionally, those who demonstrate consistent responsiveness may receive acknowledgment, while repeated lapses will be reported to the government, fostering a culture of accountability.
Expected Benefits and Impact
This initiative is anticipated to strengthen accountability within the administrative machinery and ensure quicker resolution of public grievances. By streamlining communication and monitoring interactions, 'Samvad Setu' aims to bridge gaps between public representatives and officials, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of governance and welfare services in the region.
