Patna Implements Weekly Public Hearings for Revenue Matters
Starting January 19, all revenue officers in Bihar will conduct public hearings twice every week. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha announced this significant decision on Friday. The hearings will take place at block offices every Monday and Friday.
New Initiative Under Saat Nischay-3 Programme
The revenue and land reforms department introduced this measure as part of the 'Respect for All – Ease of Living' policy. This policy falls under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's broader Saat Nischay-3 programme. The initiative aims to simplify citizens' interactions with revenue authorities.
Deputy CM Sinha emphasized the importance of this move. He stated that maintaining a digital record of all public complaints has become mandatory. This digital tracking system will ensure greater transparency and faster resolution of issues.
"This system will facilitate proper monitoring of complaints," Sinha explained. "It will also ensure accountability among revenue officials." Sinha personally heads the revenue and land reforms department.
Officials Must Remain Present for Hearings
Principal Secretary C K Anil has issued clear instructions to all revenue officers across Bihar. They must remain present in their offices every Monday and Friday specifically to hear public grievances. This directive applies to officers at all levels of the revenue administration.
Divisional commissioners will play a crucial role in strengthening revenue administration within their respective divisions. Similarly, district collectors will oversee implementation at the district level. Their primary responsibility involves reducing difficulties citizens face in daily life due to revenue-related processes.
Improving Public Interaction and Office Facilities
The decision emerged from Deputy CM Sinha's direct interactions with citizens. These conversations happened under the 'Land Reforms Public Welfare Dialogue' programme. During these dialogues, people shared their grievances directly with administration officials.
New instructions mandate respectful and courteous behavior toward all members of the public. This requirement applies to every revenue office across the state. Additionally, basic amenities must now be available on all office premises.
Drinking water facilities and proper toilets have become mandatory provisions. Separate allocations from headquarters level are being arranged specifically for improving these basic facilities. The overall goal remains improving living standards through better governance.
