Do ‘Janata Darshans’ really address issues of citizens?

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramiah had held his first ‘Janata Darshan,’ in November last year, six months into his tenure.

This was followed by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s string of such events across the city. Janata Darshans are programs where ministers sit down to listen to public grievances.

These programs, which are attended in large numbers, also have officials deployed to offer help to these citizens.

With responses from those who have attended, officials and experts, these programs are a mixed bag.

Mary Bhalla who had attended this program at K R Puram in January.

Bhalla, who resides near Whitefield had complained against the Illegal builders, revenue officials and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

Not all complaints were put into action, despite D K Shivakumar personally assuring her prompt action.

“Only the Water issue got solved. However, the builders and the revenue officials still continue, without any impunity,” she said.

These programs, Bhalla says, could be more personalised and feedback oriented.

“I feel ward level meetings and Janata Darshans can go hand in hand. The need for a space to respond and critique is important in such spaces,” she concluded.

Reetamma, who infamously got three officials of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) suspended on charges of corruption, felt that her complaint of losing Rs. 1 lakh for a land certificate was worth it.

“Despite the action being taken beyond promised time, I am pleased to have the amount returned,” she added.

‘Janata Darshans an symptom of centralisation, needs accountability: Civic Expert Santosh Nargund, head of Civic Participation at Janagraaha, cited that programs like these need to have accountability, and needs intervention of technology and data.

“As far I know, only a few ministers take up such programs. Data on these programs needs to be published,” he said.

He also cited the lack of ward level representation outside Bengaluru. “People of different occupations come here to resolve their issues. This clearly points out the systemic failure.” he concluded.