Influx of complaints at Navakerala Sadas

As the Navakerala Sadas completed its tour in seven districts, the government received three lakh complaints from the people. When it comes to an in the remaining seven districts, the complaints will double. The government have promised that the complaints received in Navakerala Sadas will be resolved in a timely manner. Looking at the number of complaints, it remains to be seen how far the promise can be kept. There is a direction that those who have filed a complaint should wait at least 45 days. People will not hesitate to wait more if they are sure that there will be a solution.

The main reason why public relations programs like this are flooded with complaints is the traditional bureaucratic administration in government offices. Despite the efforts of successive administrations, no major changes have been made. People come in droves to seek solutions to their needs in the Navakerala Sadas because the same needs are usually not handled by the officials.

Complaints received in the 'Sadas' will ultimately reach the respective offices. There will already be tons of pending applications on the table. It will be a difficult task to check everything and make a decision. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the thousands of complaints and petitions received in the Navakerala Sadas reflect the great faith people have in the government.

The challenge is to sort all these out and find a solution. The demands of the complainants can be met to some extent if the officials rise to the occasion and take extra work to settle the applications. Government systems need to be set up accordingly.

In all the seven districts where the 'Sadas' was held, the highest number of complaints were related to the revenue department. From the village office to the collectorate, where people are most closely connected, are places that test the patience of the common man. Departments like Local Self-Government, Food and Public Distribution, Water Resources, Repairs, Cooperation and Health are also highly inefficient in settling the files. There are many government offices that drag things out even in matters that can be settled easily.

The government can try to make necessary reforms in the administrative system by examining the general nature of the complaints received in the Navakerala Sadas. If there is no speed in administration despite the introduction of online system, it points to the deficiency in the system. It is also noteworthy that most of the complaints were personal ones. It is the right of the people to at least get a reply if they submit an application to the government.