Odisha CM Majhi holds 18th public grievance hearing; 96% of complaints resolved so far
Bhubaneswar, June 2
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted the 18th edition of the Chief Minister's Public Grievance Hearing Programme at the Grievance Cell in Unit-II in Bhubaneswar.
Thirteen senior ministers, along with senior bureaucrats and departmental officials, joined the Chief Minister in hearing public grievances on Monday.
Addressing the media persons, the CM said that the grievance redressal mechanism has become an integral part of Odisha's administrative system over the past two years.
He noted that the initiative has significantly improved access to government services and strengthened public confidence in the administration.
In a post on X on Monday, he wrote, "We are committed to bridging the gap between the government and the people, bringing the system directly to you in a straightforward manner. The grievance redressal process in our government has been made more swift and simplified. Through public hearings, we are continuously working to reduce the distance between the administration and the people, bringing the system closer to you."
According to the Chief Minister's Office, the CM highlighted that district-level grievance hearings conducted by Collectors, Superintendents of Police, and officials at block and tehsil levels have become a regular feature. As of April 2026, around 2.40 lakh grievances had been heard at the district level, with 92 per cent resolved.
During the programme, Majhi first met around 30 specially-abled persons and people suffering from critical illnesses, listened to their problems and directed officials to take immediate action on their petitions.
Under the Single Window System, the Chief Minister approved Rs 3.60 lakh in medical assistance for 13 complainants suffering from various illnesses.
More than 600 grievances were received through both online and offline modes during the latest hearing.
Officials informed that of the 14,651 grievances received directly during the previous 17 grievance hearing sessions, 14,046 complaints--about 96 per cent--have been resolved.
The Chief Minister said the programme would be expanded further after the summer season, with grievance hearings planned in different districts across Odisha so that people from remote areas would not have to travel to Bhubaneswar to present their concerns.
He added that the administration would continue to reach out directly to citizens and address their issues at the grassroots level.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, along with 12 other ministers, senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, participated in the grievance redressal exercise.
— ANI
Reader Comments
My concern is about the quality of resolution. Just closing a complaint doesn't mean the problem is truly solved. But 18 hearings in two years is good consistency. We need more transparency in tracking these resolved cases over time. Also, glad they're planning to go to remote districts—Bhubaneswar is too far for tribal communities.
Interesting to compare this with similar initiatives in other countries. The focus on single-window system and medical assistance is particularly smart. However, I wonder how many complainants are actually satisfied with the outcomes beyond just having their case 'resolved' in the system.
Good governance is not just about numbers but about genuine relief. 600 grievances in one hearing is a lot—I hope each one gets proper attention. My aunt in a remote village says reaching the block office itself is a challenge. Decentralization is the key. 🇮🇳
The concept is commendable but numbers can be misleading. 92% resolution at district level doesn't mean all are satisfied. I'd like to see an independent audit of these claims. Also, Rs 3.60 lakh for 13 patients seems low—that's about Rs 27,000 per person for critical illnesses.
A welcome step but let's not forget that such programmes are only effective if they reach the most vulnerable. The specially-abled and critically ill people being given priority is good. However, I hope this is not just a photo-op exercise. Real change happens when problems are prevented, not just resolved after they occur.
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