The West Bengal state government on Wednesday unveiled a new initiative called 'Apnar Sarkar Apnar Pashe' (Your Government is Beside You), enabling residents to directly connect with the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) if they encounter difficulties accessing any government service.
Helpline Number and Timings
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched the helpline number 8282082820, where citizens can call to report grievances related to any scheme or service. The helpline will operate from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, as announced by the CM at Nabanna. Additionally, people can email their complaints to asap@wb.gov.in.
Target Beneficiaries
The initiative is specifically designed to assist beneficiaries of various government schemes, such as the Annapurna Yojana, who can reach out to the CMO if they face issues receiving their grants.
Background and Changes
In 2023, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee introduced the 'Talk to the Chief Minister' programme, allowing people to call and register their problems. After the BJP came to power, the party reportedly did not oppose the earlier initiative, but Adhikari allegedly had reservations about its name, claiming it was meant to promote Banerjee rather than solve people's problems. The new government has now changed both the name of the service and the helpline number.
Women's Safety Helpline
State Minister Agnimitra Paul announced that the government would introduce another helpline dedicated to women's safety and security, providing quick police assistance. She stated, 'My mothers and sisters of Bengal will go out whenever they want to, wear whatever they feel like, and eat whatever food they want. No one will dictate what you should eat, wear, or when you can go out. We won't question why women are out after 8 pm. Breathe freely under the open sky, take a breath of freedom in the BJP government's tenure.'
