In an apparent attempt to salvage his image dented after the Moga bus molestation case, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Tuesday launched his helpline for redressal of grievances.
With this, the grievance redressal is now just four digits away in Punjab — 1905. Besides, Sukhbir has also dedicated his e-mail id — sukhbirbadal2014@gmail.com — for redressing people grievances.
For the purpose, the Deputy Chief Minister used social networking website, which had, in fact, hit his image the most due to constant post on Molestation case.
The announcement of launching the Deputy Chief Minister toll-free helpline for grievance redressal was made on the official Facebook page of the “Government of Punjab”.
The toll-free helpline number would function from Monday to Saturday between 8 am and 8 pm.
“All citizens of the state can call on this number between 8 am and 8 pm, Monday to Saturday, and get their grievances registered. They can also email the same on sukhbirbadal2014@gmail.com,” read the post.
It added, “Rest assured, all the grievances will be transferred to the concerned officer and redressed as soon as possible.”
Sukhbir’s message read, “It has come to my notice that, at times, some of your genuine grievances are not being redressed by various departments. As your representative, I am keen that your grievances get redressed expeditiously. Therefore, a new helpline has been put in place in my office.”
“Call in and be assured that your grievances will be heard and registered by my office staff and immediately transmitted to the concerned officer for speedy redressal,” it stated, adding, “I am sure that this would go a long way in solving your grievances.”
Already, Sukhbir had, in June last year, “dedicated” an e-mail id — sukhbirbadal2014@gmail.com — to the general public for coming out with suggestions and criticism in an attempt to create a “Government That listens”.
He had, at that time, made a new e-mail address asking the general public to “send in constructive suggestions, feedback, viewpoints and anything that you want to tell me in confidence on this email”.
Also, to handle the complaints and grievances related with the police department, a Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) Complaint Cell, headed by the ADGP (law and Order), under the direct supervision of state Police chief, has been established. The State Government has also set up a 24x7-citizen portal and a toll free phone number — 1800-180-2082 — in December 2012, for the “aggrieved” citizens, unhappy with the police investigation or its inaction.
Sukhbir, post lok Sabha election, has become quite active on the Facebook, seeking people’s suggestions, making announcements, among other things.
Almost two years after forming Government in the State for second consecutive term, the SAD-BJP could not performed well during the 2014 lok Sabha elections. Despite strong Modi-tsunami and anti-Congress wave, the party could bag just six seats out of total 13.
What is more, SAD’s vote share has come down from 34.73 per cent in 2012 assembly polls, to 26.3 per cent, while that of the BJP, it has increased from 7.18 per cent in 2012 to 8.7 in 2014 polls.
Sukhbir’s pro-active approach not only in the government functioning but also in the party activities with a main focus on forming a connection with the common man is being seen as a move towards fortifying party’s base, coupled with recovering its damaged imaged following Moga bus molestation incident, SAD leaders;’ involvement in drug case, among other things.