Pune: The "Jan Samvaad Sabha" initiative, launched by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to address citizens' grievances and foster communication between the administration and the public, is facing criticism. While the program was designed to strengthen civic services and citizen engagement, its execution appears to have fallen short of expectations.
The initiative, introduced three years ago by former Commissioner Rajesh Patil, aimed to resolve citizen complaints and ensure administrative accountability. Current Commissioner Shekhar Singh has continued the program, holding meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. However, attendance has been consistently low, raising concerns about its effectiveness.
Findings from Sting Operation
A sting operation conducted by Sakal Media Group reporters during a Jan Samvaad Sabha highlighted key issues:
Citizens are summoned individually, limiting their ability to collectively voice concerns.
Complainants' identities are disclosed in sensitive matters, leading to potential backlash.
Delays and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder timely resolution of grievances.
The sessions often resemble interrogations rather than genuine efforts to address public complaints.
Program Objectives
The Jan Samvad Sabha was established with the following goals:
Facilitating open communication between citizens and administrators.
Resolving grievances promptly.
Encouraging citizen participation in administrative decisions.
Reflecting public aspirations in developmental projects.
Operational Framework
The PCMC operates eight regional offices, each hosting meetings.
Chief coordinators are appointed for every regional office.
Sessions are conducted under the leadership of these coordinators.
Common Complaints Raised
Action against unauthorized constructions.
Repairing and updating signboards.
Addressing abandoned vehicles.
Ensuring regular water supply.
Repairing drainage systems.
Maintaining public restrooms.
Managing street lighting.
Fixing paving blocks on sidewalks.
Commenting on the issues, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh stated: “Complaints filed during Jan Samvaad Sabha or through the Sarathi helpline cannot remain anonymous due to legal obligations under the Right to Information Act. However, measures can be taken to address grievances more effectively, such as allowing all complainants to attend sessions together instead of calling them individually. Necessary instructions will be issued to the concerned officers to improve the process.”
