Odisha CM Says ‘Artificial Barrier’ Between People and Government Has Been Removed

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday said that the “artificial barrier” separating citizens from the government during the previous BJD regime has been eliminated under the current administration. He credited this shift to the regular public grievance hearings conducted by him and his ministers.

Addressing reporters, Majhi said he has personally interacted with nearly 50,000 people over the past 17 months through the Jan Abhijog Sunani initiative. The programme, aimed at direct citizen engagement, has seen significant participation across the state.

According to the chief minister, the government has received 12,950 petitions in 14 grievance hearings, of which 12,371 cases—amounting to 96 per cent—have already been resolved. The remaining 579 petitions, he said, are “critical and taking time” due to their complexity.

Majhi asserted that the initiative reflects his government’s commitment to accessibility, transparency and timely service delivery.