Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a stringent measure to ensure administrative accountability, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav suspended eleven government officials, including the General Manager of the Electricity Distribution Company, during a review meeting of the Samadhan Online program on Monday. This action came as the Chief Minister reviewed public complaints and assessed the responsiveness of district administration in addressing citizens’ grievances. The review highlighted cases of negligence and underscored the government’s commitment to a sensitive, people-focused administration.
Case of Electricity Billing Irregularities
The General Manager’s suspension followed a complaint filed by Durga Prasad from Raisen district, who reported discrepancies in his electricity bill. According to Prasad, the Electricity Distribution Company had imposed unfair charges, impacting his household. The issue, which was previously unresolved, was quickly addressed following the complaint’s escalation during the Samadhan Online program review. The swift suspension of the General Manager highlighted the Chief Minister’s zero-tolerance policy towards negligence in essential services.
Missing Girl in Khandwa District
In a second significant case, the Chief Minister expressed disappointment and frustration with police handling of a sensitive matter involving a missing girl in Khandwa district. The girl’s mother, Prem Bai, had reported police inaction despite her repeated complaints, fearing her daughter’s safety. The review revealed lapses in police procedure, including delays in filing an FIR and initiating an investigation.
To address these lapses, the Chief Minister ordered the immediate suspension of the Sub-Inspector involved in the case and issued show-cause notices to the Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) and the Town Inspector (TI). Furthermore, the Chief Minister ordered an inquiry at the headquarters level, led by the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), to investigate the causes of inaction and assess accountability across ranks. It was reported during the meeting that the missing girl had been safely recovered and reunited with her family, providing some relief to the distressed family.
Scholarship Delay in Ashok Nagar
The Chief Minister addressed another complaint, this time from Ajay, a student in Ashok Nagar, regarding delays in receiving a scholarship provided by the Scheduled Caste Welfare Board. Ajay, a member of a marginalized community, was awaiting funds necessary for his studies, which had been stalled due to administrative delays. In response, the Chief Minister ordered the immediate suspension of the branch in-charge and the clerk responsible for the delay. Additionally, a show-cause notice was issued to the District Coordinator for his role in the inefficiency.
Emphasis on Sensitive and Responsive Administration
During the review, Chief Minister Yadav emphasized the importance of creating a sensitive and people-centric administration where citizens feel empowered to voice their concerns without fear of retribution. He reiterated that negligence and unresponsiveness would not be tolerated, highlighting the need for officials to prioritize timely and efficient resolutions to public grievances. He instructed district officials to work proactively to resolve complaints at the district level to foster public trust.
Yadav also commended districts that have demonstrated effective problem-solving and a strong commitment to citizens’ welfare, mentioning Katni, Vidisha, Sehore, Singrauli, and Sagar as exemplary performers in addressing public grievances through the Samadhan Online platform. Their proactive approach has set a benchmark for other districts in Madhya Pradesh.
Chief Minister’s Vision for Samadhan Online
The Chief Minister’s recent review of the Samadhan Online program was the first of its kind, setting a precedent for future evaluations. His objective is to instill a culture of accountability and responsiveness within the state administration, ensuring that grievances are promptly addressed. The program enables citizens to directly reach out to the Chief Minister’s office, which helps escalate cases that have been overlooked or delayed at lower levels of administration.
Through these actions, the Chief Minister demonstrated a commitment to reforming the public service delivery mechanism in Madhya Pradesh. By taking swift action against officials who failed to fulfill their duties, Yadav underscored his vision of a transparent and accountable governance model that prioritizes the needs and concerns of the people. This review also signals an ongoing effort to enhance the performance of administrative bodies and ensure effective and people-centered governance across the state.
Super timely action taken by the honourable chief minister of Madya pradesh. Let his services continue.