Presently the State government’s Janata Darbar meetings are underway in full zest and enthusiasm. One thing this initiative has revealed is that the administration is not in place and the government has to acknowledge it. The government’s intention is to understand problems faced by people which indeed is a good thing but the government also needs to see that the system reaches out to them.
The flaws in the administration came up prominently during the Janata Darbar meeting held at Curchorem. The said meeting was held at Ravindra Bhavan where Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral were present. People complained to ministers about how the government officials purposely delay the work with their lethargic attitude and yet make them run from pillar to post. Some complained that the conversion certificate hasn’t been granted even after five months, while others pointed out to the absence of BDO officials despite assigning the date. Indeed, these complaints represent not just the complainants, but citizens of the entire State.
Visit any of the government offices and trust the officials concerned to be absent on that very day. The people are also not informed properly about when the officials are going to be available in the office. Sometimes the officials are on long leave and other workers will not take on his/her work in their absence. This is simply not appropriate as these government offices are meant to serve common people.
It is the duty of the senior officials to make sure that people are not inconvenienced but unfortunately, seldom does that happen. Goa has enacted Goa Right to Citizens to Time Bound Delivery of Public Services Act, which intends to provide public services to people of Goa within the stipulated time limit. However, the people’s experiences are contradictory and those experiences are being expressed at the Janata Darbar. The delay regarding public works is even bigger.
People of Curchorem complained that a dangerous electricity pole hasn’t been replaced despite resolving to do so more than two years ago. Similar experiences are echoed in these meetings regarding the condition of the roads and potholes as well. Despite complaining to the authorities concerned the issue isn’t handled with enough seriousness and that is the truth. The State government has newly launched a ‘Gramin Mitra’ scheme which aims at providing government services at people’s doorstep. It’s a good scheme and the best wishes to the government for it to succeed. However, its success will be ascertained only after a few months. The government’s Goa Right to Citizens to Time Bound Delivery of Public Services Act, is a great Act which is well thought out. If one was to count the achievements of the Parrikar government then this Act would be one of them. However, it is unfortunate that people have to still run around anxiously despite the respective Act being in place. If someone’s work is not getting done within the stipulated time then they have the backing of this Act. People all the way from Pernem to Canacona have experienced the infamous delay in the government offices and continue to do so. However, they had no platform to raise their voices against this indiscipline. The government to an extent has resolved this matter through Janata Darbar.
The ministers listen to people’s complaints, grievances, opinions in these meetings and direct the officials concerned to take action. It remains to be seen however, how the ministers’ orders are implemented or if they’re implemented at all. Some of the officials have grown thick skin and will still work stubbornly at their own leisurely pace. A complaint was directed at a BDO official during the Janata Darbar at Curchorem who abstained from the meeting. BDOs are required to attend these meetings. Agitated, minister Khaunte issued a notice on the spot. The reason behind the official’s absence is yet to be known and his reason might even be genuine. However, he should have taken prior permission to do so. The point is there are officials which can cause trouble. Therefore, the government needs to put in extra efforts to resolve these flaws.
