Separate Secretariats for Public Grievances, NRIs Soon in Karnataka, Stated CM

BENGALURU: Over numerous complaints from residents, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday stated to create a separate secretariat for Public Grievances headed by a Minister, besides, a separate secretariat for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) as well. “Officials concerned have been directed to work on creation of a secretariat for NRIs,” he said after a meeting at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

Shivakumar said the need for a public grievances Secretariat is because various organisations stage protests over one issue or the other and the State Government will take note and initiate steps to resolve the issues bothering the public through proper channels.

He stated Ministers in particular have been cautioned to discharge their duties within legal framework and a stern message has been given “not to yield” to any pressure in discharging their duties. “Don’t yield even if anyone from the Chief Minister’s Office directs for a particular work,” he said and stressed on free and fair governance under his administration.

“Administration is very much important and asked Ministers to bring to his notice if anyone exerts pressure on them to get a particular work done,” Shivakumar said and assured to fill-up 56,000 government vacant posts by framing a timeline. Besides, he said, a Private Employment Exchange set-up by the State Government to act as a bridge between employers and employees will be made a reality to resolve unemployment problems.

“We are not looking at elections by giving them jobs but to give them a quality life to lead. Guarantee schemes such as free power upto 200 units a family, Rs 2,000 cash benefit scheme for a female head of a family and 3 others have been implemented to help people tackle rise in prices of essential commodities. But, for youths it is to make life secure,” said the Chief Minister.