The Karnataka cabinet on Saturday approved the creation of the state's first dedicated grievance redressal department, named Prajaseva Department. This new unit will directly receive and resolve complaints from the public, marking a significant shift in government-citizen interaction.
Key Features of the Prajaseva Department
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced that the department will be headed by a dedicated minister and a senior IAS officer. District in-charge ministers will be required to visit every assembly segment in their districts regularly and hold public grievance redressal meetings, termed 'Jana Samparka' (public outreach) sessions.
Shivakumar emphasized that the department would not merely act as a communications channel but would actively work towards resolving public grievances. "People often submit memorandums and representations, seeking solutions to their problems. These are presented either directly to the government or through the ministers. People also submit their demands while staging protests. The minister in charge of the Prajaseva Department will now review all such applications and take steps to resolve those," he explained. He further clarified that the department cannot simply postpone decisions on grievances but must work towards resolutions.
Weekly Outreach and Coordination
District in-charge ministers will be responsible for resolving public grievances in coordination with the new department. They must visit at least one assembly constituency within their jurisdiction every week and hold Jana Samparka meetings in coordination with local MLAs. This initiative is seen as part of Shivakumar's effort to craft a people-centric image as the new chief minister and help the government shake off anti-incumbency that is believed to have accumulated over the last three years.
NRI Department Proposal Deferred
The cabinet deferred the proposal to establish a department to address issues of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), as ministers felt there was a need to expand its scope beyond Kannadigas based abroad. Health and family welfare minister U T Khader told TOI, "The cabinet felt that more time was needed to establish a dedicated department to take Karnataka to the world." Ministers suggested that the department be granted a broader mandate to attract foreign investment to Karnataka and promote the state's image globally.
Implementation and Impact
The Prajaseva Department is expected to track and resolve complaints, ensuring accountability. By holding weekly outreach meetings, the government aims to address grievances at the grassroots level. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance citizen engagement and improve governance efficiency.
