The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) introduced two new schemes today for citizens that include a toll free number that can be dialled by any person to speak directly to the mayor, Firhad Hakim, on Wednesdays, to convey their grievances related to municipal services while on other days of the week, the civic body officials will contact citizens, enquiring with them regarding the same.

The mayor, Firhad Hakim, addressing the media, today said “The KMC today came up with two new schemes. First, a toll free number has been introduced – 18003451213. Citizens can call on this number every Wednesday, from 4.00 p.m.- 5.00 p.m., and speak to me directly. They can convey their issues which further will be taken up with our departmental officials who will look into the complaints and take up appropriate measures. The citizens concerned will be duly informed about the measures that have been taken concerning their grievances.” The scheme was introduced with the tagline- ‘We will wait for your call.’

Mr Hakim further added “In the second scheme, around 100 citizens, everyday will receive call from KMC officials, asking them whether they are being able to properly avail municipal services.

This scheme is in line with chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s initiative towards ‘Right to Service’. Every citizen has the right to avail municipal services that including drinking water, proper roads, drainage systems etc.” The initiatives taken by KMC, are expected to solve the municipal grievances that generally prevail among residents. Many in the city, within KMC jurisdiction, have pointed out that often complaints by citizens go unanswered for days and months. A resident alleged:

“A call to any of the civic body departments is either responded with false assurances or one needs to continuously keep calling to a point where officials go on transferring calls.”

Another resident pointed out: “This scheme by the KMC will finally bring some accountability. It is good that the citizens can now connect directly with the mayor to convey their grievances which often fall on civic body’s deaf ears.”