BHUBANESWAR: Standing deserted for over a decade, the official residence of the chief minister at Unit V in the capital city on Monday bustled with activity as the public grievance hearing resumed at the designated grievance cell here after a 16-year hiatus.
Scores of people including those from far-flung areas like Koraput, Rayagada, Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj queued up to air their grievance to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Arjun Jadia had travelled around 450 km from Lachhiguda in Kashipur block of Rayagada along with other people of his area to meet the CM and lodge their grievance pertaining to health issues they are facing due to industrial pollution.
Fifty-five-year-old Kastajari Jena, a differently-abled person from Khatuala in Ghasipura block of Keonjhar reached Bhubaneswar on Friday and spent three nights near the railway station to meet the CM and air his grievance. A homeless, he sought a pucca house and financial assistance. “The CM assured of fulfilling them soon,” he said.
From non-payment of wages and employment concerns to land and property disputes, infrastructure deficit and social welfare issues, people were seen carrying letters and documents with hope of finding swift solution to their problems at the hands of Majhi.
Like Jena, Meghanad Behera, a differently-abled teacher from B Nuagam in Ganjam, had been running from pillar to post seeking regularisation of his sikhya sahayak post. He was happy that the matter was finally heard by the CM himself. “I am hopeful the new government will address the plight I am facing for the last 12 years,” he said.
Around 5,000 people had gathered on the first day of which 1,540 registered. Timing for slot booking was initially scheduled till 12 pm but was extended till late evening in view of the heavy rush.
While Majhi met around 700 people directly, deputy CM KV Singh Deo, H&UD minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and Forest minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia also received grievances in large numbers.
Sources said provision of resting shed, drinking water and adequate seating arrangement had been made by the General Administration department. Officials of I&PR department also assisted in smooth conduct of the grievance hearing, while BMC had engaged volunteers to assist those in need, especially the differently-abled.
The grievance hearings will take place every Monday.