Shajapur district collector reaches with Facebook page

With social networking sites becoming an integral part people’s everyday lives, Shajapur district collector has decided to increase the administration’s presence online with a Facebook page for a more direct interaction with the public.

With the aim to make it simpler for the people of Shajapur district to file their grievances and to ensure speedy redressal, district collector Rajiv Sharma is taking the social media route by starting a dedicated Facebook page.

Collector Sharma has invited Shajapur residents to use the platform to highlight civic problems in the district for prompt and effective action.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Sharma, who assumed charge as the Shajapur district collector on May 2 this year, said he got the idea after a person had to travel two kilometres to meet him just to lodge a complaint of road blockage in front of his residence.

“What would have happened if I was not in my office on that particular day? He would need to come again to register his complaint by once again covering the long distance,” collector Sharma said. “Looking at this, I have decided to connect with the people through the social networking site so that they can easily register their complaint as well as give their suggestions.”

The Facebook page titled ‘Rajiv Sharma DM Shajapur’ was finally launched on May 9.

Sharma believes this to be just a step towards achieving a “Digital India.” With a large population already accessing the Internet, it will be easier than ever to get in touch with the administration.

Sharma said, “As I can access my account anytime, from anywhere, I can direct department officials to act on public grievances from anywhere.”

Sharma has also directed officials to make themselves available to the public through mobile apps like WhatsApp. Also, the officials have been asked to share photographs of the work done to keep the public informed.

As per the information, in the last two months, more than 50 people lodged grievances ranging from road blockage and water scarcity in their locality to delay in disbursement of pension money, and about 44 of those complaints were addressed by the administrative officials or the concerned department within three days of information.