New Delhi, Jul 9 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday said her government aims not merely to administer but to transform the national capital into an "empowered" city, where public participation will be central to governance.
Gupta made the remarks while holding her first "Jansunwai" at her camp office on Raj Niwas Marg, where she met residents and took steps to resolve their grievances. The chief minister resumed her public hearings in a newly-formalised space at 2/8, Civil Lines with enhanced arrangements and improved facilities, according to an official statement.
She said her government's goal is not just to administer but to build Delhi as a sensitive, empowered and just city, where public participation in governance is fundamental.
Highlighting the essence of democracy, Gupta said, "True democracy lies in knowing people's pain, understanding their struggles and shaping policies based on their real needs. Public hearings are proof that people have faith in democracy and expect constructive changes from the government."
She said previous governments lacked such communication mechanisms, which often left people helpless in getting their problems resolved. Gupta asserted that the Mukhyamantri Jan Seva Sadan would now act as a bridge between the government, governance and people, ensuring a continuous and empathetic dialogue.
"Our government considers the people's pain as its own. The Jan Seva Sadan will not only bring governance closer to citizens, but will also reaffirm that this is a responsive, sensitive and people-centric government. We are here not to rule, but to serve," she said.
Citizens submitted their complaints, requests and suggestions directly to Gupta and senior officials, with the chief minister issuing immediate instructions to the departments concerned for redressal.
Most of the grievances pertained to issues like crime, drinking water, school admissions, health, roads and encroachment.
Gupta directed officials to resolve each issue within a specified time frame and assured the public that every complaint would be taken seriously.
The chief minister earlier held public hearings at her Shalimar Bagh residence. As the area is residential, these gatherings often drew large crowds, sometimes requiring her to meet people and listen to them on the roadside.
With the formal inauguration of the Mukhyamantri Jan Seva Sadan at Civil Lines last week, a dedicated space has now been established to ensure a structured and effective redressal process, the statement added.
"Today, I saw a spark of hope in people's eyes and a sense of trust in their hearts -- trust that the government is listening, understanding and actively working toward solutions," Gupta said.
Emphasising that public service is her life's mission, she said these public hearings are not just a bureaucratic formality, but a vital channel of direct communication with people.
"Our government works on the principle of 'not just hearing, but resolving'. Today, I not only listened to people's problems but also saw their faith that this government is committed to finding solutions," she added.
From 8 am to 10 am, the chief minister met with citizens at the Jan Seva Sadan, where officers from around a dozen departments, including the Delhi Jal Board, education, police, health and MCD, were present.