WhatsApp DC? Public flood complaint cell

Karwar: Did someone say Whatsapp is only for chatting with friends? The popular messaging application is making waves in Uttara Kannada (UK) district providing people a tool to redress their grievances. On Monday, the administration launched the facility and in three days, the number (9483511015) was flooded with over 100 grievances.

Reason for the Whatsapp success? Uttar Kannada has 11 taluks and to solve problems, people have to contact the deputy commissioner or post a letter. The waiting time to solve a problem is usually a month and it could get solved on its own by then!

“The system  helps us quickly respond to problems,” explained deputy commissioner Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh. People can text complaints and also upload related photos and videos. The complaints will be sent to the  department concerned. A 24-hour control room has been set up at the DC’s office to receive Whatsapp grievances.

“This is an easy method, people don’t have to travel long distances or write lengthy letters. Once the control room receives a complaint, they forward it to the district and taluk officers  within 5 minutes. All officials have been asked to have Whatsapp working round the clock,” said additional DC H. Prasanna.

“Once the grievence is redressed, the officials convey the message to us along with the photograph which is sent to the complainant,” he added.