Puducherry: Puducherry Opposition leader and DMK convenor for the Karaikal region, A. M. H. Nazeem, has urged Chief Secretary Dr. Sharat Chauhan, IAS (AGMUT: 1994) to convene a meeting of all legislators to ensure coordinated relief work during the upcoming northeast monsoon.
Nazeem said the DMK appreciated the Chief Secretary for recently convening a meeting of government officers to discuss preparations for the northeast monsoon. However, he suggested that Dr. Chauhan should hold another meeting involving legislators after the completion of the byelection.
Legislators’ Meeting Sought for Better Coordination
Nazeem said bringing legislators into the monsoon preparedness process would help ensure better coordination during emergencies.
He urged the Chief Secretary to convene a meeting of all legislators after the byelection so that elected representatives and government officials can work together on relief measures and respond to situations that may arise during the monsoon.
The demand comes amid preparations for the northeast monsoon, when coordination between government departments, elected representatives and local bodies can be important for addressing emergency situations.
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WhatsApp Group With Officials Proposed
The Opposition leader also suggested that the Chief Secretary initiate a dedicated WhatsApp group with legislators and government officials as members.
According to Nazeem, the group could provide a direct communication channel between elected representatives and officials and help authorities coordinate their response to any eventuality during the monsoon.
He also suggested that the contact numbers of officers entrusted with relief work in different constituencies should be shared with the respective legislators.
This, he said, would allow legislators to contact the concerned officers quickly when relief or emergency assistance is required in their constituencies.
Separate Helpline for General Public
Nazeem further called for a separate helpline for the general public during the northeast monsoon.
The proposed helpline would allow residents to air their grievances and report problems arising during the monsoon period. A dedicated public communication channel could also help authorities receive information about local issues and take appropriate action.
The DMK leader said such arrangements would strengthen communication between the administration and people during weather-related emergencies.
More Funds Sought for Local Bodies
Nazeem also urged the Puducherry government to allocate more funds to Municipalities and Commune Panchayats to deal with emergency situations during the monsoon.
He said the amount of money currently allocated to local bodies was not sufficient to meet emergency requirements during the monsoon period.
According to the Opposition leader, additional financial support would help Municipalities and Commune Panchayats respond to urgent local needs and carry out relief-related work more effectively.
Focus on Coordinated Northeast Monsoon Response
The proposals put forward by Nazeem centre on improving coordination before and during the northeast monsoon.
The Opposition leader has specifically sought a meeting between the Chief Secretary and all legislators, a WhatsApp group connecting legislators and officials, sharing of relief officers’ contact numbers, a separate public helpline and increased funding for local bodies.
The suggestions follow the Chief Secretary’s recent meeting with government officers on northeast monsoon preparations. Nazeem welcomed that meeting but argued that involving legislators would further strengthen the coordination mechanism.
Strengthening Relief Preparedness at the Local Level
The proposed measures would create additional channels for communication between the administration, legislators, local bodies and residents.
Sharing the contact details of relief officers could help legislators directly reach officials responsible for emergency work in their constituencies. Similarly, a dedicated public helpline could give residents a direct channel to raise monsoon-related grievances.
Nazeem’s demand for higher allocations to Municipalities and Commune Panchayats also highlights the need for adequate financial resources at the local level to handle emergency situations.
With the northeast monsoon approaching, the focus is now on ensuring that preparedness translates into coordinated relief action when required.
