Munish Sood
UNA
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Wednesday directed officials to ensure the time-bound resolution of public grievances, saying issues raised by elected representatives and members of the District Public Grievances Redressal Committee must be dealt with on priority and without unnecessary delay.
Chairing the committee meeting at the District Council Hall in Una, Agnihotri said departments must work in close coordination to resolve issues affecting the public. He emphasised that officials should take concrete action on the matters brought before the committee rather than allowing them to remain pending.
The meeting reviewed a range of issues relating to development works, public infrastructure, transport services and civic amenities in different parts of the district.
Special review of Patwaris’ offices, panchayat buildings
Agnihotri directed the Deputy Commissioner to convene a special meeting to review the construction of Patwaris’ offices and panchayat buildings in newly constituted gram panchayats.
He called for a consolidated proposal identifying locations where new Patwaris’ offices are required as well as those where construction has already been proposed. Land-related issues concerning panchayat buildings, including availability, transfer and other administrative hurdles, should also be resolved on priority through coordination among the departments concerned, he said.
Elected panchayat heads’ authority must be respected
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that the authority of elected panchayat pradhans must be respected and that no individual should interfere in the functioning of a panchayat by attempting to exercise the powers of an elected representative.
He specifically said that where a woman has been elected as panchayat pradhan, no other person should act as the de facto head or interfere in the discharge of her responsibilities.
New bus routes to depend on demand and feasibility
On demands for new bus routes, Agnihotri said the government was ready to provide services wherever there was a genuine public requirement. However, passenger demand and operational feasibility would have to be taken into account to ensure that the services remained viable.
He directed the Transport Department to examine proposals for new routes and take appropriate action based on need and feasibility. He also referred to the successful operation of bus services to AIIMS Bilaspur and Shri Chintpurni.
Funds sanctioned for Rampur-Santokhgarh bridge
On the Rampur-Santokhgarh bridge, Agnihotri said the required funds had been sanctioned and construction would begin after completion of the remaining formalities.
He also directed the Una Municipal Corporation to ensure streetlighting along the Una-Hamirpur road up to the entrance of Baba Bal Ji Maharaj Ashram before Janmashtami, keeping in view the large number of devotees expected to visit the shrine.
Lata Mangeshkar Kala Kendra may adopt self-sustaining model
Discussing the operation and maintenance of the Lata Mangeshkar Kala Kendra, Agnihotri called for exploring a self-sustaining model. He suggested ensuring year-round bookings and examining the possibility of entrusting its operation to a suitable institution or agency.
The aim, he said, should be to ensure better maintenance and financially sustainable functioning of the centre.
Patient care at Una hospital reviewed
Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma raised issues concerning facilities at Una hospital, including the boundary wall and arrangements for patients when doctors are on leave.
Agnihotri directed the authorities to ensure that patient care and treatment were not affected by the absence of doctors on leave. He also stressed the need for adequate beds and essential facilities in view of the new buildings under construction at the hospital.
Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal welcomed the Deputy Chief Minister and reiterated the district administration’s commitment to resolving public grievances within a stipulated timeframe. Additional Deputy Commissioner Ishant Jaswal conducted the proceedings.
Several non-official members of the committee, including Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma, raised issues concerning their respective areas.
State Congress general secretary Ranjit Rana, District Congress president Deshraj Gautam, Himachal Pradesh Youth Congress working president Akhil Agnihotri, State Transport Authority member Ashok Thakur, Haroli Block Congress president Sandeep Agnihotri, Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremeth, Una Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prithvi Pal Singh, Assistant Commissioner Vinay Modi, all SDMs and senior officials of various departments attended the meeting.
