Bihar Government Rolls Out “Ease of Living” Reforms: Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit Orders Mandatory Public Interaction and Accountability Measures Across All Departments
In a significant administrative reform designed to narrow the gap between government commitments and their actual delivery, Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, a 1991 batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, has issued a sweeping directive aimed at transforming the way government offices engage with ordinary citizens. The order, circulated to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, senior police officials, District Magistrates (DMs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs), places the concept of “ease of living” at the very heart of public service delivery.
Bridging the Gap Between Promises and Reality
Chief Secretary Amrit underscored that he had received multiple reports of citizens visiting government offices with grievances, only to discover that officials were absent, leaving them distressed and helpless. Acknowledging this widening disconnect between promises made and delayed execution, the directive seeks to ensure that complaints are not only heard but also resolved in a timely and efficient manner.
Mandatory Public Interaction Twice a Week
The new guidelines mandate that officials at every level—ranging from panchayat offices to district headquarters and state-level departments—must remain physically present on two fixed days each week, Monday and Friday, to interact directly with the public. During these sessions, officers are expected to:
Listen to grievances with patience and empathy
Record complaints formally in official registers
Guarantee timely resolution of issues raised
In cases where an officer is unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances, an authorised substitute must be designated to ensure that citizens are not left unattended.
Focus on Visitor Comfort and Proper Documentation
The directive goes beyond grievance redressal to emphasise the importance of basic amenities for visitors. All government offices must provide drinking water, adequate seating arrangements, and clean toilets. Departments are instructed to maintain detailed registers of complaints, conduct periodic reviews, and enforce strict compliance among staff to ensure accountability.
Monitoring and Accountability Mechanisms
The initiative places strong emphasis on accountability. Departmental heads are tasked with monitoring grievance disposal on a regular basis, while senior secretaries must review not only the registration of complaints but also their resolution within stipulated timelines. By reframing availability and responsiveness as core administrative duties rather than optional personal virtues, the Bihar government aims to dismantle bureaucratic inertia and institutionalise citizen engagement as a routine practice.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the directive represents a bold step towards pro-people governance, its ultimate success will hinge on effective implementation and rigorous enforcement. Bihar, a state historically plagued by bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies, will require consistent oversight to ensure that these reforms translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives. The initiative, if executed faithfully, has the potential to redefine the relationship between the government and the people, making accessibility, responsiveness, and accountability the cornerstones of administration.
