In a significant move towards decentralized governance, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted a public grievance hearing in Sambalpur on Monday, marking the first time such a session was held outside the state capital. Accompanied by 10 ministers and senior officials, the session was held at the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation office, transforming it into a hub of public grievance redressal.
The session witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 2,400 grievances registered both online and offline. A dedicated single-window system was implemented, enabling immediate assistance, particularly for individuals battling critical or incurable diseases. As a result, 18 individuals received medical aid totaling ₹19.5 lakh through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. A medical team was stationed at the grievance cell to expedite this process.
Beyond medical concerns, citizens raised a diverse range of issues, including pension disputes and infrastructure needs. Each complaint was addressed with urgency, with ministers and senior officials issuing direct instructions to relevant authorities, often via telephone.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to expand the Chief Minister’s grievance hearing sessions beyond Bhubaneswar. Plans are underway to establish grievance cells at the revenue division level, including Sambalpur, to ensure that citizens can resolve their issues closer to home.
The Sambalpur grievance hearing session stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to accessible and responsive governance, ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and their issues addressed promptly.
