New Delhi: In a bid to strengthen bureaucratic accountability, the Rekha Gupta led Delhi government has directed all District Magistrates (DMs) to ensure the mandatory attendance of designated officials at District Development Committee (DDC) meetings and public hearing sessions (Jan Sunwais). Officials who fail to attend without valid justification will be served a show-cause notice, with copies sent to their respective Heads of Department and the Chief Minister’s Office.
Why This Matters
These meetings play a vital role in resolving public complaints and monitoring development work. However, frequent absenteeism among officials has disrupted grievance redressal mechanisms and eroded public trust in the system.
Implementation Measures
Senior Officer Appointments: Each department will designate a senior official to attend DDC meetings regularly. Additionally, one officer per assembly constituency will be assigned for public hearings.
Mini-Secretariat Plan: District Magistrates have been instructed to identify suitable land and submit proposals for the construction of mini-secretariats across all 11 revenue districts. These centers will offer key public services such as marriage registration, and issuance of income and caste certificates.
Increased Public Interface: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has emphasized the importance of public engagement. Public hearings will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On these days, ministers will be available to meet with citizens from 9 AM to 11 AM.
Broader Impact
This directive is part of the BJP-led government’s broader initiative to strengthen grassroots governance. By mandating official attendance and expanding citizen service centers, the government aims to foster a more responsive, transparent, and citizen-friendly administration.
While the reforms are expected to improve service delivery and public trust, some resistance from the bureaucracy is anticipated due to the increased demands of public interaction. Nonetheless, this initiative signals a firm commitment to accountability, service improvement, and institutional discipline.
