Janta Darbar: 10 people attend event, people question purpose

On Wednesday too, according to details by the UT office, 10 people brought their grievances to the Administrator in the Janta Darbar, where the media is not allowed. A statement by the Chandigarh Administration, however, stated, “A large number of people from across Chandigarh participated and shared their grievances. The Governor patiently listened to each person, took note of their issues, and directed officials present to initiate prompt action. On-the-spot instructions were given to ensure timely redressal.” Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria is the UT Administrator.

Asked about the procedure to be part of the Janta Darbar, the UT spokesperson said, “An email is sent to adcgovpb@gmail.com.”

Residents, however, term it “choosing the attendees is as per their will”. Baljinder Singh Bittu, chairman of the Federation of Sectors Welfare Association of Chandigarh, said, “This can’t be Janta Darbar. Janta Darbar is where the office is open to all for said timings and anyone from public can meet the Administrator and raise their grievances. In the first place, not everyone knows how to send an email and then it is up to them to select who will attend or who will not.”

He added, “Even many senior citizens don’t know how to access or get to the Administrator for this darbar. They should work on making it more accessible for people.”

The UT statement noted, “The objective of the Janta Darbars is not only to hear the voices of citizens but also to provide effective and speedy solutions to their problems. The Governor’s Secretariat has planned to hold such sessions regularly, providing people with a direct channel to communicate their concerns to the highest office of the Union Territory.”

The statement said, “To further strengthen direct communication between citizens and the Administration, Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, continued the practice of holding Janta Darbars at the UT Secretariat today.”

However, Pallav Mukherjee, former UT councillor, said that he had given a suggestion in the past about clearing backlog of files in each department at the end of every month.

“There are 42 departments in Chandigarh. They don’t need a janta darbar. All they need is a team in each of these departments that sits at the end of the month and clears the backlog of files. That prevents people from unnecessary hassle,” Mukherjee said.

He added, “The officials know that nothing is going to happen so they keep the interaction with public very less. Why doesn’t each of the HoD hold a public meeting or those with grievances?”

Several attempts were made in vain at the UT Administration and UT Administrator’s office to get in touch with people who attended the Janta Darbar.