Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 27 Apr: A wide spectrum of complaints related to social distress, administrative lapses and infrastructure concerns came to the fore at the public hearing (Called as Janata Darbar) held at the District Collectorate premises here today. The public hearing was held on the directions of District Magistrate Savin Bansal, with Chief Development Officer Abhinav Shah presiding over the proceedings. As many as 167 complaints spanning land disputes, illegal possession, encroachment, assault, maintenance, social security and financial distress were registered. The officials claimed that the majority of these were addressed on the spot while the remaining were forwarded to the departments concerned with directions for time-bound and lawful action.
The hearing was marked by a series of deeply distressing accounts involving elderly citizens, highlighting the growing vulnerability of senior citizens within their own families. An 80-year-old resident of Fatehpur, Bir Singh, narrated how he has been subjected to repeated assault by his son and daughter-in-law. Despite multiple complaints at the police station, he alleged that no effective action had been taken. He further stated that even after disowning his son from his property, his son has continued to forcibly reside in his house and subjects him to regular harassment. Taking serious note of the matter, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) directed the Superintendent of Police to ensure strict action under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act.
A similar complaint was raised by 68-year-old Ashok Kumar Dhawan from Indira Colony, who accused his son of assault, abusive behaviour and issuing death threats. The authorities were directed to initiate prompt action under the same Act. In another case related to familial discord, Shakuntala Kaur, a resident of Harekrishna Vihar, alleged that her son and daughter-in law were attempting to evict her and her 75-year-old husband from their home. The SDM was instructed to register a case under the maintenance provisions and take necessary action.
Economic hardship and lack of social support also emerged as recurring themes. Amarjeet Kaur from Kanwali Road appealed for waiver of school fees for her children, stating that her husband no longer lives with the family and she is struggling to sustain their education. The Chief Education Officer was directed to process financial assistance under the Nanda Sunanda scheme. In another instance, Class 12 student Aryan Ramola from Majra Mafi sought fee relief, citing severe financial distress following the death of his father. The administration directed the education department to coordinate with the school management for an early resolution. A similar plea was made by Vinita from Dalanwala, who sought assistance for her son’s admission to a private school, prompting directions for appropriate intervention.
The plight of vulnerable individuals without support systems was also evident when elderly divyaang (Differently abled) Virendra Dhiman appealed for financial assistance, stating that he has no family and is no longer capable of earning a livelihood. The SDM (Sadar) was directed to verify the case and initiate the process for financial aid.
A particularly sensitive case was brought forward by Neha from Mehuwala Mafi, who sought loan waiver after her husband, who had taken a bank loan of Rs 5 lakhs, suffered a severe electric shock accident in 2023 that left both his legs damaged. With the family’s income severely affected, she stated that repayment of the remaining instalments had become impossible. The Lead District Manager was directed to examine the matter and submit a report.
Civic and infrastructure-related grievances also featured prominently during the hearing. Residents of Indira Enclave complained about the installation of a mobile tower on a residential building without statutory permissions and in violation of safety norms. Taking cognisance of the matter, the CDO ordered an immediate halt to the installation work and directed an inquiry.
Villagers from Langha Gram Sabha raised the issue of illegal encroachment on a public road Tikri village, upon which the Additional Municipal Authority of the Zila Panchayat was directed to remove the encroachment without delay. Concerns over delays and alleged poor quality in the construction of the Manki-Ithrana motor road were also raised by Gram Pradhan Sweety Rawat of Gadul, leading to a detailed report being sought from the Executive Engineer of PMGSY. Similarly, complaints regarding irregularities in the construction of a causeway near Bhagdwari Khal on the Phulet-Kyara motor road prompted directions to the Superintending Engineer for necessary action.
Several other grievances related to land disputes, fraudulent transactions, illegal acquisition and possession of property, shifting of electricity lines and poles were also presented, with officials instructed to ensure timely redressal. Senior district officials, including ADM (Finance and Revenue) KK Mishra, SDMs Smrita Parmar, Apoorva Singh and Kumkum Joshi, District Development Officer Sunil Kumar and Chief Education Officer VK Dhaudiyal, among others, were among those present during the hearing.
The proceedings, while showcasing administrative responsiveness in parts, also underscored the persistent socio economic vulnerabilities and governance challenges that continue to shape the lived realities of many citizens in the district.
