The administration of Jammu and Kashmir is taking steps to improve its public grievance redressal mechanism. After a meeting of the Administrative Secretaries, chaired by the Chief Secretary, it was decided to extend the mechanism to district and tehsil-level officers. This decision aims to enhance the connection between Government officials and the general public as well as strengthen the overall grievance redressal process.
Certain measures are already in place, like the implementation of a weekly reporting system for Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, and other officers regarding the redressal of grievances, which is a significant step towards achieving transparency and responsiveness in the administration. This system has been put in place under the guidance and direction of the Chief Secretary. By requiring regular reports on the progress and resolution of grievances, the Government ensures that there is a structured and accountable approach to addressing public concerns. This mechanism promotes transparency by tracking the actions taken by officials in response to grievances and enabling the assessment of their performance in this crucial area. The weekly reporting system serves as a means to monitor the effectiveness of the public grievance redressal mechanism at all levels of administration, from Administrative Secretaries down to the officers in Districts and Tehsils. It allows for the identification of any bottlenecks or areas that require improvement in the grievance redressal process, enabling timely interventions and adjustments as needed. Additionally, this system provides an opportunity for the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat to stay informed about the progress made in addressing public grievances and an insight into the administration at the ground level. By receiving comprehensive reports regularly, the administration can take necessary measures to enhance the effectiveness of the grievance redressal system.
In recognition of the tangible benefits of the grievance redressal mechanism, the Government has further issued directives to Tehsil-level officers, instructing them to be available to the public on designated days. This proactive step ensures that individuals can directly approach officers at the Tehsil level to express their grievances and seek resolution. By implementing this measure, the Government seeks to capitalise on the benefits already observed through the existing grievance redressal mechanism. It reinforces the importance of ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and that their grievances are addressed promptly.
By ensuring that officers at the Tehsil level meet with the public regularly, the Government aims to make the process more accessible and convenient for individuals who may not have the resources, such as time and money, to travel to higher administrative levels. This initiative acknowledges the importance of bringing governance closer to the people and ensuring that their concerns and issues are heard and addressed effectively. By establishing a mechanism, individuals from rural areas and low-income backgrounds will have the opportunity to present their grievances and seek a resolution without significant financial burdens or logistical challenges. This approach aims to create a more inclusive and participatory system where the voices of all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background, can be heard and acted upon. Extending the grievance redressal mechanism to the Tehsil level demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that even the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of society have access to effective governance and a platform to voice their concerns and seek resolution.
This system reinforces the Government’s commitment to grassroots democracy by bringing governance closer to the people. Establishing this bond between the public and the administration is crucial for the success of any governance system. It promotes a collaborative approach where citizens actively engage with the administration and work together towards the betterment of society. Moreover, when people feel connected to the administration, they are more likely to provide feedback, suggestions, and constructive criticism. This feedback loop further enhances the administration’s ability to understand and respond to the needs of the public, leading to more effective and targeted governance.
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