A new dawn for Bihar’s citizens: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has revolutionized access to bureaucracy with a landmark order simplifying meetings with officials. What was once a herculean task riddled with intermediaries is now streamlined for the masses.
At the heart of the directive is a simple principle—government exists for the people. Senior officials must conduct daily public hours, while lower functionaries organize weekly sittings. This structured approach aims to eliminate the chaos of unannounced visits while ensuring no one is left out.
Kumar didn’t mince words during the rollout: ‘Officers are public servants, not kings. Their time belongs to the people.’ Backed by a robust monitoring mechanism, including surprise inspections, the policy promises accountability.
Real-world impact is already visible. In Purnea, a widow’s land dispute was resolved within hours after meeting the SDO. Darbhanga reports fewer protests at gates, as people trust the system more.
This fits seamlessly into Kumar’s decade-long governance blueprint, emphasizing citizen-centric reforms. From free electricity fixes to now this, his focus remains on tangible benefits.
Skeptics point to resource constraints—Bihar’s administration is stretched thin. But proponents counter that attitude matters more than numbers; a willing officer can handle volumes with empathy.
As word spreads via social media and local channels, public participation is spiking. This could reduce petty corruption too, as direct access minimizes middlemen.
Looking ahead, integrating feedback loops—like post-meeting surveys—could refine the process. For now, Nitish Kumar has handed power back to the people, proving that strong leadership can dismantle entrenched barriers.