Karnataka Creates Separate Ministry for Public Grievances: Praja Seva

The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, has approved the creation of a new ministry dedicated to addressing public grievances and improving service delivery. The ministry, named Praja Seva (People's Service), aims to streamline the resolution of citizen complaints and enhance the efficiency of government services.

According to a government statement, the new ministry will focus on 'integrated grievance management, time-bound resolution of public issues, process simplification, citizen feedback and the adoption of best practices to improve governance and service delivery across departments.' This initiative is part of the Congress government's efforts to make governance more responsive and accountable.

Chief Minister Shivakumar announced the decision after a Cabinet meeting, stating, 'A new public service department is being started to listen to the grievances and demands of the public. A separate minister will be given responsibility for this.' The creation of a dedicated ministry underscores the government's commitment to addressing citizen concerns promptly.

Analysts view this move as an attempt to improve the state's administrative machinery and boost public trust. The government has not yet named the minister who will head the Praja Seva ministry, but it is expected to be announced in the coming days. The new department will work in coordination with existing departments to ensure that complaints are resolved within stipulated timelines.

This development comes amid growing expectations from the state government to deliver on its election promises. The Congress party, which came to power in Karnataka in May 2023, has prioritized governance reforms and public service delivery. The Praja Seva ministry is seen as a key step in that direction.