Grievance reforms
Many regional administrations and local representatives hold direct field grievance camps intended to address localised issues on the spot. However, such ground-level initiatives are rarely seen in practice. Currently, the Public Grievances Department functions primarily as a policy, monitoring and forwarding agency rather than an operational unit working directly in the field. Frameworks like the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) design grievance policies, establish timelines and monitor central ministries, while platforms such as Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) receive complaints online and route them to specific departments or local authorities responsible for the actual fixes. Furthermore, bodies like the Directorate of Public Grievances (DPG) and sector-specific ombudsmen only step in when lower-tier or internal systems fail. This current approach is a waste of public time and needs to be changed. The Public Grievances Department must proactively solve people’s problems directly from the fields to the related offices to ensure official justice and public satisfaction. Working directly from the ground is crucial because most public issues are minor and require immediate, on-the-spot resolution rather than endless administrative routing.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
Electoral integrity
Ever since the government responded to public demand for accountability following resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as the Union education minister, efforts have been made to emphasise its democratic commitments and responsiveness to public concerns. However, significant debate has emerged surrounding calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over handling of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). While the SIR itself is a legitimate undertaking, concerns have been raised regarding its implementation – specifically that voters risk disenfranchisement shortly before elections without sufficient time or accessible means to navigate the required paperwork, and that the Election Commission has offered limited clarification to affected citizens amidst notable adjustments to voter rolls. Critics argue that these operational challenges, combined with an increasingly digitised process that some feel lacks transparency, complicate efforts to address allegations of malpractice before outcomes are affected. Additionally, observers have noted the government’s active defence of the statutory, independent Election Commission up to the Supreme Court, a stance that has contributed to widespread public debate and polarisation over electoral integrity. These concerns over the execution of SIR are shared across a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including former election commissioners, retired Supreme Court judges, legal professionals and concerned citizens.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Sloth bear conservation
Sloth bears, which are exclusive to the sub-continent, are found in 23 states of India. Urban activities and land cultivation around forest areas have propelled sloth bears to move towards unprotected areas. Due to habitat destruction and degradation, they are listed as “vulnerable” in the IUCN Red List. Since their principal diet consists of termites and ants, destruction of forests can devastate them. A recent Wildlife Institute of India report noted that three bear-specific sanctuaries in Karnataka and two in Gujarat have significantly boosted their conservation efforts. Another report added that suitable habitat for sloth bear increased by 10% between 2018 and 2022, and their population rose by 17% in the corresponding period. An interesting observation in the report highlights the fact that new sloth bear habitats were located within the tiger reserves.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Transport policy
The central government’s first National Household Travel Survey brings to the fore the challenges faced by commuters. According to the survey, two-wheelers dominate the means of travel in India’s urban and rural areas. The survey underscores the significance of changing the transport policy. Well-developed public transport system is a part of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. When majority of the people depend on public transport, it becomes an environment-friendly system and investment in it helps the government mitigate broader financial losses. Unfortunately, the public transport system in India leaves much to be desired. We need a system that serves the needs of the commuters. An affordable and reliable transport system will go a long way in improving the life of people. In several cities, people are forced to switch vehicles to reach their destinations. This makes them travel-worn and it also causes financial losses. Our metro rail does not cater to the needs of the commuters either. The government must give precedence to public transport over private transport. It is of paramount importance to develop an affordable and accessible transport system with well-demarcated footpaths and properly planned routes.
Venu G S, Kollam
