Punjab government is planning to introduce ‘Aapka MLA, Aapke Dwaar’ (your MLA at your doorstep) scheme — a new initiative by the aam Aadmi party (AAP) led state government designed to strengthen public engagement and address local issues more effectively.

Discussed and announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during a strategic meeting with the legislators in Chandigarh on Tuesday, the initiative is aimed at bringing the elected representatives closer to their constituents by encouraging them to visit their respective constituencies, neighborhoods, and villages to directly engage with residents and resolve their concerns.

The scheme is planned on the lines of the State Government’s ambitious ‘Sarkaar Aapke Dwaar’ initiative, where government officials visited villages to address people’s grievances. The new program shifts the focus to MLAs, making them more accessible and accountable to the people who elected them.

AAP-led Punjab Government’s ‘Sarkaar Tuhade Dwar’ initiative is a transformative step towards making governance more accessible and people-centric. The scheme brings essential government services directly to the citizens by setting up service camps across the State. These camps act as convenient points of contact, allowing people to address their grievances and access services without the need to visit government offices.

‘Sarkaar Tuhade Dwar’ aimed at bridging the gap between the administration and the public, promoting transparency and accountability within the government. By decentralizing service delivery, the initiative empowers the citizens and ensures that their voices are heard in the governance process.

The scheme is designed to streamline bureaucratic processes, reduce corruption, and enhance public satisfaction. By bringing services to the doorsteps of the people, the Punjab Government ensures that the benefits of its programs reach even the most vulnerable and marginalized sections of society.

This citizen-focused approach fosters a more inclusive and equitable society, where every individual has equal access to the resources and services they need. Under the scheme, the Chief Minister has himself led the camps at various places, personally listening to the people’s grievances, issuing on-the-spot directions to the officials concerned, while also taking direct feedback from the people to improve the government’s functioning and formulating its policies.

Former Minister and AAP MP from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, who also attended the meeting, stated that the scheme reflected the Government’s commitment to ensure that public servants remain closely connected with the citizens they serve. He emphasized that this initiative is a critical step in fulfilling the government’s duty to address the challenges faced by the people of Punjab.

In addition to unveiling the ‘Aapka MLA, Aapke Dwaar’ scheme, the meeting included a comprehensive review of ongoing projects across various regions of Punjab. Discussions centered on the progress of several national highway projects under the Central Government's purview, which are vital for improving the state’s infrastructure. The review also touched upon recent FIRs filed in key urban centers like Ludhiana and Jalandhar, reflecting the government’s focus on law and order issues.

Another key topic during the meeting was the upcoming Panchayat elections. While details from the MLAs remained limited, there is a widespread anticipation that the State Cabinet will give the green light for these elections during its meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Punjab Government has already communicated to the High Court that the Panchayat elections will be held in September.

The ‘Aapka MLA, Aapke Dwaar’ scheme is expected to enhance the relationship between elected representatives and the public, ensuring that government initiatives and actions align more closely with the needs and aspirations of the people. By fostering direct communication between MLAs and their constituents, the scheme aims to make governance more responsive and effective, addressing the concerns of the people in real-time. This initiative is seen as a significant step towards making the government more accessible and accountable, reinforcing the democratic principle that elected representatives should serve the people who elected them.