Navakerala Sadas: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan defends ‘streamlined approach’ to handle complaints

Kerala chief minister Vijayan defends streamlined approach to handle complaints during Navakerala Sadas; cites time constraints. 20 counters per venue dedicated to handling petitions & complaints. Swift resolution system being developed; status of petitions can be tracked online. District officials aim for resolution within 2-4 weeks. 14,232 petitions from Kasaragod district alone. Life Mission housing project: 1,41,257 houses contracted for construction; 15,518 houses completed. Centre not setting new targets since 2020-21, resulting in 3-yr gap in house allotments. Kerala allocates ₹4,00,000 per house, while Centre provides ₹72,000. Funds to be disbursed according to progress of allotted houses.

Amidst Opposition scrutiny, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has defended the “streamlined approach” to handle complaints during the ongoing Navakerala Sadas.

Addressing the media at Payyannur in Kannur on November 20, 2023, Mr. Vijayan cited “time constraints” for not personally receiving complaints and announced the introduction of 20 counters per venue dedicated to handling petitions and complaints during Navakerala Sadas.

“Petitions will now be accepted three hours before the Navakerala Sadas begins, with separate counters for senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and women. A swift resolution system is being developed, and the status of petitions and complaints can be tracked on the website www.navakeralasadas.kerala.gov.in by entering the receipt number or the mobile number associated with the complaint,” he said.

The Chief Minister assured that district officials would aim for resolutions within two weeks, with a probable extension to four weeks, if necessary. Resolutions involve department reports submitted through the heads within 45 days, with interim replies “guaranteed” by the Chief Minister.

Highlighting the “democratic strength” of Kerala’s civic-conscious society, Mr. Vijayan referenced the huge participation and engagement during the Navakerala Sadas.

As many as 14,232 petitions have been received from Kasaragod district alone. Complaints poured in from Assembly constituencies, with Manjeswaram receiving 1,908, Kasaragod 3,451, Uduma 3,733, Kanhangad 2,840, and Thrikaripur 2,300 complaints respectively.

Referencing the Life Mission housing project, Mr. Vijayan provided an update on its progress. Though theinitial target was to construct 71,861 houses this financial year, as many as 1,41,257 houses have been contracted for construction.Of these, 15,518 houses have already been completed, he said.