Patna, Jan 22 (IANS) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Thursday expressed strong displeasure after discovering that the department’s toll-free grievance redressal number was not functioning, despite being meant for public assistance.

Vijay Sinha made an unexpected visit to the Revenue and Land Reforms Department for a surprise inspection, catching officials off guard.

He inspected the office responsible for handling calls received on the department’s toll-free number 1800-345-6215, which has been issued for the speedy resolution of land-related grievances.

During the inspection, the Deputy Chief Minister directly questioned the officials, stating that calls had not been answered since the morning.

“I myself tried calling the toll-free number 10 times, but there was no response,” he told the officials.

The Revenue Minister said he had been receiving continuous complaints from the public that calls to the toll-free number were going unanswered.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, he termed the situation as administrative negligence.

“If the toll-free number itself is not functional, how will people convey their problems, and how will those problems be resolved? This system is meant to serve the public, not to exist only on paper,” Vijay Sinha said.

He directed officials to immediately rectify technical shortcomings and ensure that the call centre operates effectively around the clock.

He also issued a clear warning that strict action would be taken against responsible officials if such complaints were repeated in the future.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, Vijay Sinha said that providing transparent, prompt, and citizen-friendly services in revenue and land-related matters remains a top priority of the Bihar government.

Vijay Kumar Sinha has been in action mode since he was given charge of the Revenue and Land Reforms Department in the Nitish Kumar government.

He has been taking regular meetings with the officials district-wise and making decisions on the spot.

So far, he has visited districts such as Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, Purnea, and Katihar apart from Patna.

–IANS

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