Bhubaneswar, 21 April (H.S.): In a powerful demonstration of responsive governance, the entire Odisha state administration, including the Chief Minister, 10 cabinet ministers, and top bureaucrats, relocated to Sambalpur today to personally hear public grievances and take swift action.
The day began at 8 AM as crowds gathered at the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation office, where the 10th edition of the “Jana Sunani” (Public Grievance Hearing) was held. Notably, this unique program brings the government directly to the people, reversing the traditional system where citizens travel to the capital to voice their concerns.
Arriving in Sambalpur on Sunday evening, the Chief Minister and his team first offered prayers at the revered Maa Samaleswari temple for the welfare of the state and its people. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Mohan Charan Majhi called the initiative “a positive message for democracy,” benefiting the government, the public, and the state of Odisha as a whole.
The Chief Minister revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded the initiative, noting it as an inspiration for bringing governance closer to the people. “Our goal is inclusive development,” said CM Majhi, “and to ensure that the pain and struggles of the poor and the helpless are not ignored.”
He emphasized that the government will continue to conduct such grievance hearings across various regions of the state, ensuring wide reach and inclusivity.
So far, nine such public grievance hearings have been conducted in Bhubaneswar, with 9,377 grievances registered—of which nearly 88% have already been resolved. The remaining are under process.
In today’s 10th round, approximately 1,000 people had registered online while around 400 submitted grievances in person. A wide range of issues were raised—from social welfare and healthcare to water supply and pensions.
A special highlight of the program was the Single Window System, through which 18 individuals suffering from critical and incurable illnesses received immediate medical assistance totaling ₹19.5 lakhs from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. A dedicated medical team was stationed at the grievance cell to ensure prompt processing of such cases.
Among the grievance seekers was Ms. Deeptirani Padhi from Sambalpur, who approached the Chief Minister with a pension-related issue. CM Majhi personally heard her concern and instructed department officials to act immediately. She returned home with a sense of deep satisfaction.
Likewise, residents from Dunguribahal in Bargarh district raised concerns about irrigation facilities. The CM issued direct instructions to the Water Resources Department for resolution. The residents expressed gratitude and returned content.
“Every person who left the grievance cell today had hope and satisfaction written on their face,” a senior official noted.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
