Karnataka CM Creates New Department to Streamline Public Grievances
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday announced the creation of a new 'Prajaseva Department' aimed at improving the handling of public grievances and enhancing citizen outreach. The department will be headed by a Cabinet Minister, with a senior IAS officer overseeing its administrative machinery.
The announcement came after the second meeting of the state cabinet. According to Mr. Shivakumar, district ministers will now be required to hold weekly public interactions at the taluk level, in the presence of local MLAs, to address citizen concerns. All applications submitted to ministers, including those received directly by the Chief Minister, will be routed through the new department for review and follow-up.
In addition to the departmental announcement, the Chief Minister addressed issues related to permanent electricity and water connections. He stated that the government has relaxed certain conditions following representations from residents who faced hardship due to existing restrictions. Owners of buildings completed before May 31, 2000, and currently on temporary electricity connections will now have an opportunity to obtain permanent residential connections.
Applicants must submit photographs and GPS coordinates of existing structures to qualify. The Chief Minister clarified that no new constructions are eligible for this benefit. A 15-day window from the date of the Government Order's issuance will be given for applicants to complete required formalities.
Detailed guidelines will be incorporated into the Government Order before it is issued, and local bodies will be responsible for implementation. The move is seen as an effort to improve governance and responsiveness to public needs.
