Key Points

Sikkim has introduced an innovative citizen engagement platform called 'Connect to CM' that allows residents to directly communicate with the government. The system operates through two dedicated phone numbers and promises a 48-hour response time for every grievance. Ten trained tele-operators will manage the initial phase of the initiative. This digital platform represents the government's commitment to transparent and participatory governance.

Key Points: Sikkim CM Launches Direct Citizen Grievance Portal Connect to CM

  • Dedicated helpline numbers launched for citizen grievance redressal
  • Operating 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM throughout the year
  • Guaranteed 48-hour follow-up on every complaint
  • Part of 'Aangan Ma Sarkar' governance vision
2 min read

Sikkim: Citizens can now reach out to govt directly through 'Connect to CM

Sikkim introduces innovative 'Connect to CM' system allowing citizens direct communication with government through dedicated helpline numbers

"Similar initiatives may exist in other states, but ours is unique as it operates around the year - Karma Namgyal Bhutia, CMO Secretary"

Gangtok, Oct 14

People of Sikkim can now reach out directly to the government through the 'Connect to CM' system to raise any issues or grievances, a senior official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang launched the 'Connect to CM' initiative on Monday at Samman Bhawan in Gangtok, and the system became operational on Tuesday.

Secretary, CMO, Karma Namgyal Bhutia said that the 'Connect to CM' is a citizen-centric initiative aimed at bringing governance closer to the people, allowing them to raise their issues and concerns directly with the government.

Briefing the media, Secretary Bhutia said that the initiative reflects the government's commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery.

He added that 'Connect to CM' allows a citizen to directly voice their concerns, seek assistance, and communicate with the Chief Minister's Office.

Bhutia said that the service became operational on Tuesday (October 14) and can be accessed through two dedicated phone numbers -- 80016-81188 and 93327-81188 -- available from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the year, including on government holidays and festivals.

He said: "Similar initiatives may exist in other states, but ours is unique as it operates around the year."

The system ensures that every grievance is recorded and acted upon, the official said, adding that after a call is made, citizens will receive a follow-up call within 48 hours from the CMO updating them on the status of their issue.

Callers are required to keep identification documents such as Voter ID, Aadhaar Card, and Certificate of Identification (COI) ready for verification.

Initially, ten trained tele-operators stationed at the CMO will manage the system, Bhutia said. The government has also identified and trained monitoring assistants at the Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) level to help citizens scan and upload documents to the official email ID.

Additionally, awareness and sensitisation programmes will be conducted at the ward level to ensure that every citizen is informed about the initiative.

The CMO official said 'Connect to CM' is part of the government's broader vision of 'Aangan Ma Sarkar' (government at the Doorstep), focusing on inclusive and participatory governance.

"This system will supplement ongoing programmes and further our goal to 'connect the unconnected,' ensuring good governance and citizen empowerment," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good step towards transparent governance. The 48-hour follow-up promise sounds promising. Let's see if they actually deliver on this commitment.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in Sikkim for 5 years, I appreciate this direct approach. The 'Aangan Ma Sarkar' concept is exactly what remote areas need. Hope other states learn from this.
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Arjun K
Only 10 tele-operators for the entire state? Hope they scale up quickly. Also, requiring multiple ID documents might discourage many genuine complainants. The intention is good but implementation needs improvement.
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Nisha Z
Operating even on holidays and festivals shows real commitment! This could be a game-changer for people in far-flung areas who often feel disconnected from the government machinery.
M
Michael C
The training of monitoring assistants at GPU level is a smart move. This ensures local support and makes the system more accessible to villagers who might not be tech-savvy. 👍

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