Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday reiterated that citizens’ voices are central to his government’s functioning, asserting that public grievance hearings have become an integral part of governance in the state.
The Chief Minister made the remarks after presiding over the 17th session of the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), nearly 94 per cent of the complaints received up to the 16th round of grievance hearings have been resolved. Of the 14,054 complaints received through the Grievance Cell so far, 13,169 have been disposed of, while the remaining cases are currently under process.
“Ours is the people’s own government, where every citizen’s voice is important. With this resolve, we are continuously working to bridge the gap between the administration and the people. Our primary objective is to address the problems and grievances of the common people with utmost sensitivity and ensure quick and permanent solutions,” Majhi said in a post on X.
Accompanied by five ministers—Mukesh Mahaling, Nityananda Gond, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Rabinarayan Naik and another cabinet colleague—the Chief Minister gave priority during the public hearing to differently-abled persons, senior citizens and patients suffering from serious illnesses.
Around 1,000 people submitted petitions during the session, with grievances largely related to basic amenities, livelihood support and pending welfare measures. Officials concerned were directed to examine the complaints and take necessary action.
The Chief Minister assured the complainants that their grievances would be addressed on a priority basis and instructed departments to act promptly.
Majhi began the public grievance hearing programme in July 2024, shortly after assuming office in June last year. Till the 16th session, more than 56,000 citizens have participated in the hearings.
In addition, over 1.49 lakh complaints have been received through online portals and postal services, of which about 88 per cent have already been disposed of, the CMO said.
