On the inaugural day of his term as Telangana Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy conducted a “Praja Darbar” (people’s court) at Praja Bhavan, the camp office in Hyderabad. During this event, he welcomed applications from the public, providing them with a platform to seek resolution for their grievances.
Sri A. Revanth Reddy wasted no time addressing the people’s concerns, taking proactive steps the next day after assuming office. Conducting a Praja Darbar at the official residence, Jyothiba Phule Bhavan, the Chief Minister dedicated his attention to the differently-abled, inquiring about their challenges and accepting applications from them.
Engaging extensively with many people attending the Praja Darbar, CM Revanth delved into the various issues raised, assuring prompt government assistance. He emphasised the urgency of tackling the grievances brought forward by the citizens. He confirmed that immediate measures would be implemented to address their concerns.
The First Praja Darbar has a Massive Turnout
Just two days into his term, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy kickstarted the ‘Praja Darbar’ on Friday to directly address the people’s concerns; his initial day witnessed the reception of 2,100 petitions, 700 on Saturday, 200 on Sunday, and 1,100 applications on Monday.
Predominantly, these petitions revolved around healthcare facilities and pension-related issues.
On the inaugural day, complaints related to illegal constructions were promptly directed to D.S. Ronald Rose, the commissioner of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The Chief Minister’s office is collaborating with a select group of GHMC staff and leveraging the online grievance module provided by GHMC’s IT wing to manage the influx of petitions at the Praja Darbar efficiently.
How has the Praja Darbar been organised?
To streamline the grievance registration process, 15 desks have been established at the Praja Darbar. A specialised online mechanism has been devised to facilitate the submission of petitions, ensuring each receives a unique Grievance Number (ID). Applicants are provided with both a printed acknowledgement and an SMS confirmation.
Within the Praja Darbar, a seating arrangement of 320 seats has been arranged for the public, with additional queue lines set up outside. A roof structure over the queue lines has been implemented to shield individuals from the sun’s heat, ensuring comfort. Essential amenities, including safe drinking water, are available to those waiting at the entrance and within the Praja Darbar hall.
The inaugural day of the Chief Minister’s Praja Darbar garnered an overwhelmingly positive response, attracting not only participants from Hyderabad but also individuals from all districts. The inclusive design and thoughtful provisions aim to create a conducive environment for addressing citizen concerns effectively.
Praja Darbar renamed as Praja Vani
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s initiative, known initially as Praja Darbar, has undergone a nomenclature transformation by the state government. It is now officially referred to as Praja Vani.
Furthermore, the schedule for this interactive platform has been expanded, with sessions now held twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays, spanning from 10 AM to 1 PM. This shift aims to enhance accessibility and facilitate more opportunities for citizens to voice their grievances and engage with the government.
Praja Darbar-Tracing the roots of the People-Centred Approach
The inception of Praja Darbar traces its roots back to the late Y.S. Rajashekhar Reddy, the former Chief Minister of the erstwhile United Andhra Pradesh.
In 2004, upon assuming power, he laid the foundation for the trend by establishing the Chief Minister’s first camp office and residence. YSR, as he was popularly known, devoted his mornings from 6 AM to 9 AM almost every day to meeting with officials and the public, employing a structured approach with visitors organised into three to four layers. The initial meeting was exclusively reserved for constituents from his area and Kadapa district.
During subsequent sessions, YSR engaged with the general public, spanning various walks of life. He addressed their concerns, instructed officials on the spot, and allotted dedicated time daily for MLAs and other leaders to discuss issues pertinent to their constituencies. This practice persisted until the tragic accident on September 2, 2009, which marked the end of YSR’s tenure.
Upon YSR’s untimely departure, K. Rosaiah, his successor, continued the Praja Darbar tradition. However, the number of participants diminished as he lacked the widespread public appeal enjoyed by YSR. When Kiran Kumar Reddy assumed the role of Chief Minister, the Praja Darbar had to be temporarily halted. The surge in the Telangana agitation prompted authorities to impose restrictions on gatherings at the CM camp office, leading to a hiatus in this interactive public forum.
Harkening back, it’s worth noting that Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan orchestrated a “Mahila Darbar” within the framework of “Praja Darbar” to amplify the unheard voices of women. This pivotal gathering unfolded at the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad on June 10, 2022. The Governor’s decision to prioritise women’s concerns gained significance against the backdrop of escalating incidents of rape in Hyderabad and other parts of the state.
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