Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel recently made an unexpected virtual appearance at the monthly District SWAGAT Online Public Grievance Redressal Programme. He connected with sessions in Mehsana, Kutch, and Bhavnagar from Gandhinagar, addressing citizens’ concerns directly. This marked the first time the Chief Minister participated in district-level SWAGAT proceedings without prior announcement.
During the interaction, Patel emphasized the importance of resolving grievances effectively at the district and taluka levels. He urged district authorities to ensure that complaints are not just closed on paper but resolved to the satisfaction of the applicants. In response to a complaint from Mehsana regarding a refund issue, Patel instructed the District Collector to recover the money from the builder and ensure its return to the applicant.
In another instance concerning encroachments on gauchar land in Palitana, Bhavnagar, Patel directed swift action. He instructed the District Collector to expedite the land survey and ensure justice for the affected party. Patel stressed the need for timely resolution of pending grievances within 15 days to one month, aiming to prevent citizens from escalating issues to the State SWAGAT program for resolution.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of providing clear explanations to applicants when grievances cannot be resolved. He highlighted the government’s commitment to bearing the cost of land surveys in cases involving encroachments on gauchar land. Patel urged District Collectors to review past complaints that had not received adequate attention and resolve them in collaboration with the applicants.
