In a significant move toward responsive governance, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the creation of the Praja Sevak Department following a cabinet meeting in Bengaluru. The new initiative mandates that all ministers visit one taluk every week to directly hear public grievances, with local MLAs joining in and even making home visits under the supervision of dedicated IAS officers.
The department is designed to streamline grievance redressal through integrated management systems, ensuring time-bound solutions and process upgrades. By embedding accountability into weekly schedules, the government aims to bridge the gap between citizens and administration.
The E-Governance Department will provide technological support, including an upgraded iPGRS 2.0 system, which enhances tracking, monitoring, and resolution of complaints. This digital backbone is expected to reduce delays and improve transparency in grievance handling.
Supporters have hailed the move as people-first governance, emphasizing its potential to bring ministers closer to grassroots realities. Critics, however, argue that the department risks adding another layer of bureaucracy, questioning whether weekly visits can translate into sustained structural reforms.
The Praja Sevak Department builds on earlier initiatives like Janaspandana, which sought to make grievance redressal more accessible. By institutionalizing weekly hearings, the government signals its intent to push for a more responsive and accountable administration.
The launch of the Praja Sevak Department reflects Karnataka’s evolving governance model, blending traditional outreach with modern technology. Whether it becomes a transformative step or another bureaucratic layer will depend on its execution. For now, it represents a bold attempt to place citizen grievances at the heart of policymaking.
