Uttar Pradesh Introduces 'Samvad Setu' to Bridge Communication Gap Between Officials and Public Representatives
In response to escalating grievances regarding government officials failing to respond to calls from public representatives, the state of Uttar Pradesh is rolling out a groundbreaking initiative named 'Samvad Setu'. This program aims to establish a robust communication framework to tackle this persistent issue head-on.
Establishment of District Command Centers
A key component of this initiative is the creation of district contact and command centers at the local level. These centers will serve as vital communication hubs, facilitating seamless interactions between public representatives and administrative officers. The move comes after the matter was highlighted during the ongoing Budget session of the assembly, prompting immediate action.
Minister Asim Arun Leads the Charge
Social Welfare Minister of State (Independent Charge) Asim Arun spearheaded this effort, conducting an online meeting with district magistrates from Hardoi, Ghaziabad, and Kannauj on Wednesday. During this session, it was unanimously decided to implement the system starting February 25, marking a significant step towards enhanced governance.
Core Objectives and Operational Details
The primary goal of 'Samvad Setu' is to foster direct, time-bound, and record-based communication channels. Minister Arun emphasized that the inability of some officers to answer calls from public representatives often obstructs public interest work. To counter this, the new system mandates that if an officer does not respond to a call from a public representative within 10 minutes, the representative can alert the command center.
The command center will then promptly instruct the concerned officer to return the call, ensuring continuous coordination until confirmation is received. This mechanism is designed to hold officials accountable and streamline problem-solving processes.
Technological Infrastructure and Data Security
To operationalize this system, dedicated smartphones and specialized software will be deployed. This technology will securely maintain data on officers' response times, providing a transparent record of interactions. The initiative also prioritizes officers' work-life balance, as it will be active only during working days and office hours, and applicable solely to government-issued CUG or official numbers.
Incentives and Accountability Measures
Officers who demonstrate exemplary communication and swift responses will be encouraged and recognized for their efforts. Conversely, reports of repeated negligence will be escalated to higher government authorities for review. This balanced approach aims to motivate positive behavior while addressing shortcomings effectively.
Expected Benefits and Impact
Minister Arun highlighted that 'Samvad Setu' is poised to significantly boost administrative transparency. By ensuring timely responses, it will enable more efficient resolution of public issues, ultimately enhancing governance and public trust. The initiative represents a proactive measure to bridge gaps in the administrative machinery, fostering a more responsive and accountable system.
In summary, the 'Samvad Setu' initiative in Uttar Pradesh is set to revolutionize how public representatives and officials communicate, with structured protocols and technological support driving its success.
