UP Minister Proposes Dedicated Phone System for Legislator Complaints
Lucknow: In a significant move to address communication gaps between elected representatives and government officials, Uttar Pradesh Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun on Monday suggested the creation of a dedicated phone mechanism at both the state and district levels. This proposal aims to tackle complaints from legislators that their calls to government officials often go unanswered, a persistent issue that has sparked debate in the state assembly.
Addressing Communication Breakdowns
Speaking during proceedings in the UP Assembly under Rule 301, Minister Asim Arun outlined his plan for a specific phone number to be established. This system would allow officials to be alerted if they fail to respond to calls from legislators or ministers. The proposed mechanism is designed to ensure that officers are promptly informed when an elected representative is attempting to reach them, thereby mandating a timely response. Arun emphasized that this would help bridge the communication divide and uphold the efficiency of governance.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Executive-Legislature Imbalance
The suggestion came in response to concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, who highlighted a growing imbalance between the executive and legislative branches. Pandey alleged that the executive was increasingly overshadowing the legislature, with many legislators facing repeated instances of officials not answering or returning their calls. He argued that such incidents undermine the authority of elected representatives and reflect a systemic issue in governance. According to Pandey, complaints about non-responsive officers have surfaced repeatedly over time, yet no effective and permanent solution has been implemented to address this ongoing problem.
Government's Response and Existing Measures
In response to the criticism, members of the treasury benches defended the government's commitment to upholding the dignity of the legislature. They maintained that strict instructions are already in place to ensure officials respond to legislators' communications. The treasury benches reiterated that disciplinary measures can be initiated against erring officials who fail to comply with these directives. However, Minister Arun's proposal suggests that additional mechanisms may be necessary to reinforce accountability and streamline communication processes.
The discussion in the assembly underscores the broader challenges in maintaining effective dialogue between elected officials and the bureaucracy. As Uttar Pradesh continues to navigate these governance dynamics, the proposed phone system could serve as a practical step toward enhancing responsiveness and strengthening the role of legislators in public administration.
