The Karnataka state government launched the Prajaseva Abhiyan and established a dedicated Praja Seva Department on Thursday, July 2 [1, 2].
This initiative seeks to decentralize the grievance process by moving government responsiveness from central offices directly into local communities. By mandating that high-level officials visit districts, the government aims to reduce the bureaucratic hurdles citizens face when seeking resolutions to public issues.
The new Praja Seva Department will be headed by a minister [2]. This administrative structure supports the Prajaseva Abhiyan, a recurring drive designed to resolve complaints at the doorsteps of the people [1].
Government officials said the drive will take place on the first and third Saturdays of every month [1]. This schedule ensures that the state maintains a consistent presence in the field twice per month [2].
District in-charge ministers are central to the execution of the program. D K Shivakumar said that district in-charge ministers have been asked to cover two constituencies every month [1]. This requirement ensures that the ministers maintain a direct line of communication with a broad cross-section of the electorate [1].
The program focuses on immediate accessibility. By utilizing the first and third Saturdays, the state intends to provide a predictable window for citizens to present their grievances without traveling to state capitals or district headquarters [1].
“"The Karnataka government will start a new department called 'Praja Seva Department', which will be headed by a Minister"”
The creation of a formal department alongside a scheduled field campaign indicates a shift toward proactive governance in Karnataka. By institutionalizing these visits, the government is attempting to create a systemic loop of accountability where ministers are physically present in their assigned districts, potentially increasing the speed of local problem-solving and improving public trust in state administration.
