<p>Chikkaballapur: The state government had announced a directive to hold regular Janata Darshan programmes — a public grievance redressal initiative — to address citizens’ problems at the local level. These were to be conducted once a month at the district level under the leadership of the district in-charge minister, and once every 15 days at the taluk level under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner (DC).</p><p>However, in Chikkaballapur district, both the minister-led and DC-led Janata Darshan events have come to a halt. So far, District In-Charge Minister Dr M C Sudhakar has conducted the programme only twice, while the deputy commissioner’s Janata Darshan sessions have not been held for several months now, effectively stalling a programme that was seen as a vital bridge between the public and the administration.</p><p>In September 2023, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had directed ministers and officials to implement Janata Darshan across the state. On September 25, 2023, he instructed all district in-charge ministers to conduct the event simultaneously in their respective districts, with the participation of local elected representatives.</p><p>Following this directive, Dr M C Sudhakar held a Janata Darshan at the Police Community Hall in Chikkaballapur on September 25. However, he failed to conduct subsequent sessions at the district level. The last such event was held on January 17, 2024, in Bagepalli. Since then, the minister has conducted no additional Janata Darshan in the district.</p><p>As per the chief minister’s instructions, the district in-charge secretary was to coordinate with the deputy commissioner to outline a plan for conducting Janata Darshan. The district administration was also expected to issue public announcements in advance, detailing the venue, date, and time of each session to ensure public participation.</p><p>During the maiden Janata Darshan in Chikkaballapur, District In-Charge Secretary N Manjula, the DC, SP, Zilla Panchayat CEO, and other senior officials were present.</p><p>Six departmental counters were set up, and 237 petitions were received. Among these, more than 65 (around 30%) were related to the Revenue Department, and 32 were related to the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. Some issues were addressed on the spot. Disabled individuals, senior citizens, women, and other vulnerable groups participated and submitted petitions.</p><p>A large number of petitions were received during the Bagepalli Janata Darshan also. But neither the minister nor the officials have made it a point to continue with the initiative.</p><p>Deputy Commissioner P N Ravindra had previously conducted Janata Darshan sessions regularly, including in newly formed taluks such as Chelur and Manchenahalli. These sessions were known for providing prompt resolutions to public issues and had gained popularity among the citizens.</p><p><strong>MLAs hardly bother</strong></p><p>In Bagepalli, MLA Subbareddy occasionally holds Janata Darshan sessions at the taluk office. However, apart from him, MLAs in other assembly constituencies across the district have not been conducting these programmes regularly.</p><p><strong>Upa Lokayukta points out lacunae</strong></p><p>During a recent visit to Chikkaballapur district, Upa Lokayukta K N Phaneendra noted that a majority of public complaints pertained to the Revenue Department. Many of these have been formally registered with the Lokayukta.</p><p>“Had Janata Darshan sessions been held regularly, such issues could have been brought directly to the minister’s attention,” he had said.</p>
<p>Chikkaballapur: The state government had announced a directive to hold regular Janata Darshan programmes — a public grievance redressal initiative — to address citizens’ problems at the local level. These were to be conducted once a month at the district level under the leadership of the district in-charge minister, and once every 15 days at the taluk level under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner (DC).</p><p>However, in Chikkaballapur district, both the minister-led and DC-led Janata Darshan events have come to a halt. So far, District In-Charge Minister Dr M C Sudhakar has conducted the programme only twice, while the deputy commissioner’s Janata Darshan sessions have not been held for several months now, effectively stalling a programme that was seen as a vital bridge between the public and the administration.</p><p>In September 2023, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had directed ministers and officials to implement Janata Darshan across the state. On September 25, 2023, he instructed all district in-charge ministers to conduct the event simultaneously in their respective districts, with the participation of local elected representatives.</p><p>Following this directive, Dr M C Sudhakar held a Janata Darshan at the Police Community Hall in Chikkaballapur on September 25. However, he failed to conduct subsequent sessions at the district level. The last such event was held on January 17, 2024, in Bagepalli. Since then, the minister has conducted no additional Janata Darshan in the district.</p><p>As per the chief minister’s instructions, the district in-charge secretary was to coordinate with the deputy commissioner to outline a plan for conducting Janata Darshan. The district administration was also expected to issue public announcements in advance, detailing the venue, date, and time of each session to ensure public participation.</p><p>During the maiden Janata Darshan in Chikkaballapur, District In-Charge Secretary N Manjula, the DC, SP, Zilla Panchayat CEO, and other senior officials were present.</p><p>Six departmental counters were set up, and 237 petitions were received. Among these, more than 65 (around 30%) were related to the Revenue Department, and 32 were related to the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. Some issues were addressed on the spot. Disabled individuals, senior citizens, women, and other vulnerable groups participated and submitted petitions.</p><p>A large number of petitions were received during the Bagepalli Janata Darshan also. But neither the minister nor the officials have made it a point to continue with the initiative.</p><p>Deputy Commissioner P N Ravindra had previously conducted Janata Darshan sessions regularly, including in newly formed taluks such as Chelur and Manchenahalli. These sessions were known for providing prompt resolutions to public issues and had gained popularity among the citizens.</p><p><strong>MLAs hardly bother</strong></p><p>In Bagepalli, MLA Subbareddy occasionally holds Janata Darshan sessions at the taluk office. However, apart from him, MLAs in other assembly constituencies across the district have not been conducting these programmes regularly.</p><p><strong>Upa Lokayukta points out lacunae</strong></p><p>During a recent visit to Chikkaballapur district, Upa Lokayukta K N Phaneendra noted that a majority of public complaints pertained to the Revenue Department. Many of these have been formally registered with the Lokayukta.</p><p>“Had Janata Darshan sessions been held regularly, such issues could have been brought directly to the minister’s attention,” he had said.</p>