In U.P. , tighter administration can work wonders

Lucknow: In Uttar Pradesh, District Magistrates (DMs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs)/ Commissioners have been taking various initiatives to improve governance, law and order, and public welfare.

District Magistrates (DMs)

1. Public Grievance Redressal: DMs have been holding regular ‘Janta Darbars’ (public hearings) to address grievances directly. This helps in resolving issues promptly and builds trust between the administration and the public.
2. E-Governance Initiatives: Many DMs are promoting digital platforms for services like land records, birth and death certificates, and other public services, making them more accessible and transparent.
3. COVID-19 Management: During the pandemic, DMs played a crucial role in managing the crisis by ensuring the availability of medical supplies, setting up quarantine centers, and coordinating with health departments for effective vaccination drives.
4. Development Projects: They are actively involved in implementing state and central government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Swachh Bharat Mission, and others. Ensuring timely completion and proper utilization of funds is a key focus.
5. Education and Health Initiatives: DMs work on improving infrastructure and services in schools and healthcare facilities. Initiatives like ‘Operation Kayakalp’ aim to enhance the quality of education and cleanliness in schools.

Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs)/ Police Commissioners

1. Crime Control: SSPs are employing advanced technologies like CCTV surveillance, data analytics, and predictive policing to prevent and solve crimes more efficiently.
2. Community Policing: Initiatives like ‘Police Mitra’ involve citizens in maintaining law and order. SSPs encourage community participation to enhance mutual trust and cooperation.
3. Women Safety: Special focus is given to women’s safety through initiatives like ‘1090 Women Power Line,’ which offers a helpline for women in distress. Regular patrolling near schools, colleges, and other vulnerable areas has also been intensified.
4. Anti-Corruption Measures: SSPs are working towards reducing corruption within the police force and are taking strict actions against erring officers. They promote transparency and accountability through regular audits and vigilance.
5. Traffic Management: Efforts to decongest traffic, ensure road safety, and implement stringent traffic rules are ongoing. Campaigns to educate the public about traffic laws are also conducted regularly.

Tighter vigil on the cards

DMs, SSPs and Commissioners launched a joint campaign against illegal encroachments and improved the city’s infrastructure and traffic management. The administration’s focus on smart policing and community engagement has led to a reduction in crime rates and better public cooperation. Effective coordination between DM and Police during festivals ensures crowd management and security, making events safe and orderly. The other aspects include cyber crime, traffic congestion, encroachment among others. Both the police and administration have shown commitment and innovative approaches towards better governance and public service.

Janata Darbars, or public hearings, have indeed become crucial platforms for grievance redressal in Uttar Pradesh. With District Magistrates (DMs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs)/ Commissioner of  Police increasingly focusing on stress areas, several measures can be taken to enhance their effectiveness:

1. Structured Processes: Implementing a more structured approach to handling grievances, including pre-registration of complaints, categorization, and prioritization based on urgency and impact.
2. Technology Integration: Utilizing technology for better management and follow-up. Digital platforms can help track the status of complaints, ensure timely responses, and provide transparency.
3. Training and Capacity Building: Regular training for officers and staff involved in the Janata Darbars on effective communication, problem-solving, and empathy to better address public concerns.
4. Awareness Campaigns: Conducting awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the availability and purpose of Janata Darbars, ensuring wider participation.
5. Feedback Mechanism: Establishing a robust feedback mechanism where citizens can rate their experience and provide suggestions for improvement.
6. Inter-Departmental Coordination: Ensuring better coordination between various departments to resolve grievances that require multi-departmental intervention.
7. Accountability Measures: Setting up accountability measures to ensure that officials take grievances seriously and provide timely resolutions.
8. Community Involvement: Involving community leaders and representatives in the grievance redressal process to build trust and ensure that the solutions are community-oriented.
9. Only recently instructions were given that now you will not have to sit for hours in DM, SP and SSP offices. In a new development, now online appointment facility will be started to meet officers like DM, SP and SSP in all the district headquarters of UP. With this, the common man will get time in advance to meet the officers in litigation and mutual disputes. On an average more than 500 people come to meet in district headquarters of UP. The visitors meet from District Magistrate to SDM, DEO and officers of many departments. In this new system, the people coming daily will get relief from many problems. By adopting these measures, Janata Darbars can become more effective in addressing public grievances, thereby enhancing public trust and governance efficiency in Uttar Pradesh.