Kumar Bahukhandi
Listen to the People; Do Not Preach to Them – Chief Minister’s Blunt Directive to Officials
Decency and Sensitivity – The Defining Traits of an Administrative Officer: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur: With the objective of making the administrative system people-centric and sensitive, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has issued clear and strict directives to government officials, instructing them to treat the general public with decency, patience, and respect.
He stated unequivocally that government officials—whether at the headquarters or at the field level—serve as the very face of the government; consequently, their conduct directly impacts the government’s image.
The Chief Minister emphasised that listening to the people is the primary duty of administrative officials.
He cautioned officials to listen to the public’s grievances with seriousness and to remain focused on finding solutions. He clarified that dialogue is meaningful only when it is imbued with empathy and a genuine intent to resolve problems.
He directed that the process for resolving public grievances across all departments be made effective, simple, and reliable. When an ordinary citizen visits a government office, they should feel assured that their concerns are being heard and that they are being treated with respect.
The Chief Minister noted that it is precisely this positive experience that fosters trust in the minds of the public.
Chief Minister Sai stated that the success of government schemes is measured not merely by statistics, but by the actual experiences of people at the grassroots level. Therefore, officials must remain active in the field, engage in direct dialogue with the public, and align their actions with the people’s genuine needs.
He asserted that sensitivity and promptness constitute the true strength of any administration.
He expressed his expectation that officials would make transparency and accountability the fundamental pillars of their work. The Chief Minister affirmed that public trust is the greatest asset; preserving this trust requires not only honesty but also decency and humility in one’s conduct.
The Chief Minister further remarked that good governance is established not solely through policies, but through conduct. If officials consistently adopt an approach characterised by simplicity, ease of access, cooperation, and a commitment to the swift resolution of public grievances, the administration naturally becomes more effective, and the volume of complaints begins to decline automatically.
Chief Minister Sai stated that the dream of a ‘Developed Chhattisgarh’ will only be realised when the administration becomes accessible, sensitive, and respectful toward every citizen. He urged officials to adopt this ethos as the guiding principle of their work, moving forward with the aim of instilling in every individual the assurance that the government stands firmly by their side.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai clarified that, during the “Sushasan Tihar” (Good Governance Festival), he himself would conduct surprise inspections across various regions to evaluate not only the officials’ work performance but also their conduct and demeanor.
He emphasised that, during interactions with the public, the officials’ sensitivity, decorum, and accountability would be assessed as a matter of priority.
Notably, the “Sushasan Tihar 2026” is being organised across the entire state of Chhattisgarh from May 1st to June 10th, with the objective of ensuring the swift and effective resolution of common citizens’ grievances.
As part of this initiative, large-scale grievance redressal camps will be established in both rural and urban areas. During this period, applications will be accepted at camps organised at the Panchayat and Ward levels to facilitate the resolution of public issues.
The “Sushasan Tihar” will feature the active participation of elected representatives, and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai himself will conduct surprise inspections to review the resolution of public grievances and the implementation of government schemes.
