In a democratic government set up, it is the duty of the government to understand the problems of their people and redress any such issues. For the country and the state, as populated and diverse like ours, it is essential to ensure that the distance between the government and people remains minimal. There has to be a ‘bridge’ which connects people to the government. The idea of good governance which the State of Gujarat firmly believes in can only be released when the government puts aside the old approach and proactively strives to redress the common man's grievances.
This endeavor requires creating a mechanism with the help of which, the government officials are apprised of the people’s problems, especially at a district and taluka level._ For this, former Chief Minister Narendra Modi adopted a two-pronged strategy along the lines of Mahatma Gandhi's idea of Gram Swaraj. At one hand, 'Aapno Taluko, Vibrant Taluko' programme was launched with an aim to decentralize administrative power and to provide all public services at the local level. On the other hand, the programme — ‘SWAGAT online’ — was launched, a scheme through which the Chief minister can directly listen to the problems of the people and provide solutions to their grievances. This very popular programme, a ray of hope for common people. has also bagged the United Nation's Public Service` award.
Giving further impetus to this endeavour, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Anandiben Patel launched Loksamvad Setu programme on August 01, 2014 at Matar in Kheda district.. This was done with a view to resolve people's grievances in a time-bound manner at the local level_ The first loksamvad setu saw positive redressal to 160 issues of the people.
Chief Minister Anandiben Patel has taken forward the former CM Narendra Modi's idea of inclusive governance and given it a further impetus under the idea of ‘Gatisheel Gujarat'. She has taken up the initiative to continue leading the stale on the path of development, but with a greater speed and force. 'Loksamvad Setu' is an important part of this greater goal, to ensure immediate redressal of all issues so that Gujarat reaches its goal of development faster.
'Loksamvad’ is a Gujarati word which literally translates to 'Dialogue with people', and the word "Setu” means bridge. “Loksamvad Setu” aims to be a bridge of communication between the people and the government.
The Government used various media of mass communication to acquaint people with this programme and to call for submission of their taluka and district level issues, People took this opportunity and put forward their problems_ These were then sent to the concerned district/taluka offices. The concerned offices resolved the problems and informed the applicants about it in written during the programme,
MPs, MLAs, District Panchayat Presidents, Panchayat members of the concerned talukas and municipality chairman were invited to the programme. Besides, officials including district collector, District Development Officer, district police chief and taluka office head also attended the programme.
