The residents of Baleswar, particularly from the remote patches, are facing a tough time for redressal of grievances as the weekly joint grievance addressing mechanism has been stalled for over 21 months owing to Covid restrictions.
In the district, the grievance hearing prior to the advent of Covid was held generally on each Monday. And the cases were heard physically having officials of key departments. The practice was highly beneficial for the residents who were from remote pockets. And they were getting justice from the district heads after failing to get them from their local GPs, blocks and police station, etc.
Since the practice has been discontinued in view of the Coronavirus following a Government order, the aggrieved persons face a lot of difficulties getting their dues and justice, etc.
With the discontinuation of physical hearing, the petitioners are asked to drop their petitions in the dropbox in the collectorate.
Many are turning away since the aggrieved is not finding access to physical hearing and apprehensive of the fate of letters dropped in the box.
Reports said in a month about 3000 to 4000 grievances were received in a month by the district administration prior to the Covid and it was beneficial for the residents of far remote pockets namely Bhograi, Jaleswar Khaira, and Oupada.
An officer said they have little to do in the prevailing situation and they are waiting for the next order.
The residents opined that under the circumstances when all activities including cultural, entertainment, and sports activities that were suspended due to Covid have been resumed; it would cause no harm in resuming the grievance hearing.