Patna: The Bihar government on Monday issued a fresh set of guidelines aimed at strengthening the functioning of ‘Sahyog Shivir’ camps being organised across rural areas of the state under the ‘Saat Nischay-3’ programme.
The camps, launched on May 19 on the directions of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, are part of the government’s ‘Ease of Living’ initiative intended to provide public services and grievance redressal at citizens’ doorsteps.
According to the new directives, the camps will be organised sequentially in panchayats on the first and second Tuesday of every month to ensure timely resolution of public grievances.
Detailed Instructions Issued to Officials
General Administration Department Additional Chief Secretary B Rajender said detailed instructions had been issued following feedback received during the first round of camps held across the state.
The directions have been sent to Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, the Director General of Police, Divisional Commissioners, Inspectors General, Deputy Inspectors General, District Magistrates, Senior Superintendents of Police and Superintendents of Police.
Focus on Public Convenience at Camps
The government has directed district administrations to ensure better arrangements for applicants attending the camps, especially in view of the summer heat.
Officials have been instructed to arrange temporary sturdy structures if Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans or suitable government buildings are unavailable. Provision for potable drinking water has also been made mandatory.
Pre-printed application forms will be made available at the camps to help applicants submit details for uploading on the portal. Clerks will also be deployed to assist people who are unable to write or fill out forms themselves.
The guidelines further mandate the availability of laptops, printers and internet dongles at camps to enable immediate online entry of applications and issuance of acknowledgements to applicants.
Revenue Cases to Be Reviewed Before Camps
The government has also expressed concern over delays in revenue court case disposal.
Collectors, Additional Collectors, Deputy Collector Land Reforms officials and Circle Officers have been instructed to review pending cases and, wherever possible, dispose of matters related to the concerned panchayat before the next camp is held.
The objective is to inform affected parties about orders and decisions directly at the camps.
Accountability and Feedback Mechanism
District Magistrates have been directed to ensure proper disposal of applications submitted during the camps.
The government stated that recommendations for disciplinary action would be made against officers found disposing of cases without taking necessary action.
Rajender also instructed district confidential branches to conduct random telephonic feedback with applicants to verify whether grievances had been resolved satisfactorily.
Cases where complaints persist will be reviewed again, and action may be initiated against responsible officials.
Action for Delays Beyond 30 Days
The guidelines state that if applications remain unresolved for more than 30 days, suspension and disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against responsible block-level officers.
Action may also be taken against subordinate employees assisting those officers if lapses are found in execution of duties.
Publicity Material and Participation of Representatives
The government also noted a shortage of publicity material related to central and state welfare schemes during earlier camps.
District-level officers have now been instructed to prepare flex boards and standees in coordination with District Information and Public Relations Officers for display at future camps.
The same publicity material will be preserved for reuse in subsequent camps.
The directive also stated that Members of Parliament, legislators and members of district and block-level programme implementation committees should be invited to attend the camps.
