Rajnagar: If unnecessary hassle and delay of months was not enough, Kendrapara collector’s grievance cell is possibly attempting to set a record of some sorts by addressing complaints lodged at this cell after a delay of multiple years. If recent cases are to be taken as examples, it might take as long as seven years for the office to act on a complaint.
A point in case, Kendrapara district social welfare officer recently asked Rajnagar child development project officer (CDPO) to look into a complaint that was registered at the Kendrapara collector’s grievance cell seven years ago. Interestingly, the grievance was heard and solved five years ago.
According to a source in the district administration, Anganwadi worker Bidulata Jena had lodged a complaint at the grievance cell October 6, 2012 after her salary was withheld and children’s food was not coming to her centre.
Meanwhile, according to the direction of the court, the issue was addressed and her salary was released. Surprisingly enough, district social welfare officer directed Rajnagar CDPO though an email dated September 27 to address the issue reported by Bidulata years after it was sorted.
Bidulata’s is not the single case to show the administrative inertia. In another similar case, a class IV employee Ajay Kumar Sahu who was posted at the CDPO office with a monthly salary of Rs 330 also had to face this.
Ajay’s wife Kunmunu had lodged her complaint at the grievance cell back in 2012 mentioning that the entire family would self-immolate if Ajay’s job was not made permanent. His job was made permanent in 2013. That said, the clueless district social welfare officer considered acting on the complaint December 19, 2018 and directed Rajnagar CDPO to take necessary steps.
When contacted, Rajnagar CDPO Pushpalata Das admitted receiving letters through email wherein she has been asked to take necessary steps in connection with the grievances. “These grievances have already been sorted out at other forums. The matter would be intimated to the higher-ups,” she informed.
PNN