Odisha officials caught on phones during public grievance hearing

 The Odisha government has repeatedly instructed its officials to take public grievances seriously and work towards their timely resolution. However, an unusual incident from Koraput district has raised questions about the sincerity of these efforts.

According to reports, during a district-level public grievance hearing at the Borigumma Block Office, several administrative officials were seen continuously busy on their mobile phones instead of attending to the proceedings and paying attention to the grievances of the people.

The incident has reportedly sparked public dissatisfaction. Notably, the district Collector was absent during the hearing, which was conducted in the presence of the Additional District Collector.

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Sources reveal that while hundreds of people across the state are actively participating in the Chief Minister’s public grievance hearings, attendance at district-level hearings has been declining. Many citizens have reportedly lost confidence in the officials, alleging that they often remain distracted and inattentive during such sessions.

In light of the incident, several people in Koraput have demanded that officials be required to deposit their mobile phones outside the meeting hall, ensuring their full concentration on public grievances and the prompt resolution of issues.