Kejriwal tightens noose around officials over 'non-redressal of public grievances'

After receiving complaints from public that their grievances are not being addressed, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has issued a strong directive ordering the officials of the Delhi Government to not leave their seats between 10.00 a. m. to 11.00a.m.

"I have received complaints from the public that officers are not easily accessible for redressal of their grievances. It is hereby directed that henceforth all officers, other than those who have field duties, shall be present on their seats between 10.00 a. m. to 11.00a.m., meet people without appointments and solve their grievances," CMO said in a statement.

The statement also cited that officers have to maintain a record of whom he meets, what was their grievance and what action was taken.

The Chief Minister also directed the Chief Secretary to issue necessary directions to all officials and to also issue a phone number where public could complain if any officer is not found present on his seat between 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

According the CMO statement, exemption would only be granted in case an officer is on leave (medical or otherwise).

"No meetings would be kept by ministers or senior officers between 10.00 a.m to 11.00 a.m. to enable them to be present on their seat. If an officer has to leave his seat for any emergency, in that case, he will seek permission from his senior officer on phone, who in turn shall inform the office of the minister concerned," it added.

The new directive of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government comes at a time when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is under scanner over alleged corruption charges as leveled by sacked minister Kapil Mishra.