What is Kerala CM Vijayan’s Citizen Connect programme?

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 17 (NationPress) As the local body elections approach, the Kerala Cabinet has approved a significant initiative named ‘Chief Minister With Me’ (CM With Me), designed to boost participatory governance. This initiative aims to foster robust public engagement in governance and enhance direct communication between the populace and the state administration.

The decision was taken during the weekly cabinet meeting held here on Wednesday, which also outlined plans to establish a comprehensive Citizen Connect Centre to underpin the program.

“This new framework will concentrate on reaching out to all segments of society, collecting feedback, and ensuring swift responses to citizen grievances. It reflects the government’s dedication to involve individuals not just as beneficiaries of development, but as active contributors to the evolution of Kerala’s future,” stated a release from Vijayan’s office.

The Citizen Connect Centre will offer easy access to vital information regarding significant government schemes, welfare initiatives, sectoral projects, and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Public feedback will be systematically gathered and analyzed to enhance service quality, boost accountability, and minimize procedural delays.

This initiative also aims to bring people closer to missions that directly impact their daily lives, including housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.

Suggestions and evaluations from citizens will be integrated into planning and assessment processes.

A dependable grievance redress system will ensure timely responses to complaints and inquiries.

“In times of crisis, the centre is expected to play a pivotal role by disseminating accurate information, coordinating relief communication, and facilitating the swift provision of government assistance,” the statement added.

The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has been designated to provide the necessary technical, infrastructural, and human resource support for the implementation of this initiative.

Government personnel, including officers from the Kerala Administrative Service, will be assigned to work on this initiative.

The Chief Secretary has been empowered to issue the required orders and reassign All India Service officers for supervisory roles.

To aid in content creation, outreach, and communication efforts, an extra Rs 20 crore has been allocated to the Information and Public Relations Department, which will also oversee the program’s effective operation and quality standards.