Punjab Governor Hosts First Samaadhaan Shivir for Residents

Gulab Chand Kataria, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, conducted the first-ever Samaadhaan Shivir on February 8, 2024, at Guru Dronacharya Stadium in Daddumajra. This initiative aimed to reinforce the Chandigarh Administration’s dedication to transparent and citizen-focused governance. The event marked a significant step in engaging directly with residents from the Dhanas and Daddumajra areas.

The gathering featured H. Rajesh Prasad, the Chief Secretary of Chandigarh, along with senior officials from various departments. During the Shivir, residents had the opportunity to voice their grievances regarding a wide range of civic issues, including sanitation, public services, water supply, and housing.

Officials from relevant departments were present to provide immediate updates on the status of these grievances. Many issues were resolved on the spot, while others that required policy changes were noted for further action. In total, the administration received 76 grievances, with 40 being addressed directly by the Administrator during the event.

Enhancing Public Engagement and Grievance Redressal

The Governor emphasized the importance of timely resolutions and instructed officers to ensure that all complaints were handled with urgency. He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among departments to enhance accountability and ensure effective outcomes. Kataria reassured residents that their concerns would be prioritized and addressed promptly.

Additionally, the event served to promote the Chandigarh Administration’s weekly Janta Darbar, where citizens can continue to raise issues and interact with officials. Residents were encouraged to approach the Darbar or visit Lok Bhavan if their grievances remained unaddressed.

To further streamline the grievance redressal process, Kataria launched the Lok Samadhan portal. This unified online grievance monitoring system allows citizens to report and track their complaints digitally, providing a modern solution to public service issues. The portal, available at https://loksamadhan.chd.gov.in, enables real-time updates and eliminates the need for repeated visits to government offices.

Under the Lok Samadhan initiative, citizens can register grievances using a valid mobile number, with verification through an OTP. Upon submission, they receive an electronic acknowledgment and a unique Grievance Number, allowing them to track the status of their complaints effectively.

Future Plans for Community Engagement

The Chandigarh Administration plans to hold similar Samaadhaan Shivirs monthly across various locations, particularly in residential colonies. This initiative aims to foster direct communication between citizens and the administration, allowing for more effective and immediate responses to public concerns.

By implementing the Lok Samadhan system, the Chandigarh Administration hopes to enhance administrative efficiency and strengthen public trust. Kataria stated that the new system would significantly improve interdepartmental coordination and ensure timely delivery of public services.

Overall, the Samaadhaan Shivir represents a proactive approach by the Chandigarh Administration to engage with its citizens, address their concerns, and improve the quality of governance in the region.