Telangana Congress government guarantees : From optics to delivery

In the recent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the Congress effectively used the language of guarantees to emphasize its social sector promises, prompting the BJP to offer promises as Modi ki Guarantee . This focus on guarantees reflects citizens desire for effective delivery. In Telangana, the Congress won the Assembly elections in December 2023, replacing the BRS, which had been in power for over nine years. The BRS s failure to maintain transparency, accountability, and develop grievance redress mechanisms contributed to its loss. The Congress government, under the banner of praja palana (people s rule), aimed to restore trust by renaming Pragati Bhavan to Jyothirao Phule Praja Bhavan and launching Praja Palana schemes. These schemes included pre-poll guarantees and promised timely grievance redressal. However, for successful implementation, a robust citizen monitoring mechanism is essential. A public hearing in Hyderabad revealed systemic shortcomings in addressing unresolved grievances. Dialogues with senior officers and the Praja Palana platform highlighted the need for a systemic solution. This includes recording grievances with dated receipts, public-facing digital tracking systems, regular mandal-level public hearings, designated grievance redress officers, and appellate mechanisms with penalties and compensation. The previous regime s hostility to the Right to Information Act (RTI) and lack of proactive disclosure hindered transparency. The Jan Soochna portal in Rajasthan serves as a model for a transparent and open data portal. However, democratic governance requires more than transparency; it demands action on promises made. To meet citizens high expectations, the spirit of Praja Palana and Prajavani must be integrated into law and policy. A social accountability law, modeled on the 2011 National Grievance Redress Bill, should be enacted immediately to transform verbal guarantees into guaranteed by law . This will ensure that promises are not only made but also delivered, as demanded by the people. Sowmya Kidambi, former Director

Source: thehindu.com
Published on 2024-09-24

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