Aap Di Sarkaar
In a significant move towards citizen-centric governance, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recently launched the ‘Aap Di Sarkaar, Aap De Dwar’ scheme. This initiative aims to provide government services directly to the doorsteps of the people, eliminating the need for them to visit government offices for routine administrative work. By bringing government officials to the people, this scheme promises to immensely benefit the citizens of Punjab.
Under the Aap Di Sarkaar, Aap De Dwar scheme, the government will hold camps at the village and mohalla (neighborhood) level to ensure easy access to government services. These camps will be organized across the state, with over 11,600 camps planned for this month alone. The camps will cover both rural and urban areas, with four camps being organized daily in every tehsil (administrative division) of the state.
One of the key features of this scheme is the provision for applying for and obtaining various important documents on the spot. Citizens can apply for documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter cards, residence certificates, caste certificates, income certificates, birth/death certificates, labor registrations, pension-related documents, rural area certificates, and more, all within the camps. The application process will be facilitated by the presence of patwaris (revenue officials) for verification, and tehsildars (revenue officers) or naib tehsildars (assistant revenue officers) who will approve the certificates on the spot.
This unique initiative also allows citizens to address their complaints directly during the camps. Any grievances raised by the people will be promptly redressed on the spot, ensuring quick and efficient resolution. To facilitate this, the deputy commissioners have been provided with ample funds to address minor issues immediately.
The ‘Aap Di Sarkaar, Aap De Dwar’ scheme is a significant step towards making government services more accessible and citizen-friendly. By bringing services to the doorsteps of the people, the government aims to reduce the inconvenience faced by citizens in accessing essential services. This initiative not only saves time and effort for the people but also promotes transparency and accountability in governance.
Harpreet Kaur, an MSc IT student from Punjabi University in Patiala, was one of the women who was unable to succeed as a firefighter.
We are being listened to by a CM for the first time. The day the physical fitness test was administered, we were also seated on a dharna. However, the police requested that we leave. However, we tried today and spoke with the CM, who acknowledged our complaint,” Harpreet remarked.
Mann stood at the podium and declared that these rules must be abandoned. “These two women recently came to me with their issue. I guarantee that going forward, no woman will be required to go through such a demanding physical fitness test. According to what I have been told, these were installed to make sure they could save a 60-kg victim of a fire. Is everyone 60 kg in weight, though? In the event of a fire, would these women be left alone? I am not sure who has been establishing these regulations. Without a doubt, I will change them. I can promise you both that the results of your written exam will be used.
The launch of this scheme reflects the government’s commitment to delivering efficient and responsive governance. It demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the needs and concerns of citizens. By organizing camps at the grassroots level, the government aims to bridge the gap between the administration and the people, fostering a stronger connection and understanding.
The ‘Aap Di Sarkaar, Aap De Dwar’ scheme is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Punjab, and it is expected to set a benchmark for other states to follow. The success of this scheme will depend on effective implementation, ensuring that the camps are well-equipped and staffed with competent officials. Regular monitoring and evaluation will be necessary to address any challenges and make necessary improvements.
In conclusion, the ‘Aap Di Sarkaar, Aap De Dwar’ scheme is a commendable effort by the Punjab government to make government services more accessible and citizen-friendly. By bringing services to the doorsteps of the people, this initiative aims to simplify administrative processes and enhance the overall experience of the citizens. It is a step towards building a more inclusive and responsive governance system where the needs and concerns of the people are prioritized.