Bhubaneswar, Dec 31: In a major step towards strengthening public outreach and ensuring transparency, the Vice-Chairman (VC) of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) will conduct a dedicated grievance hearing for allottees on the first Saturday of every month. The hearing will begin at 11.30 am and will be held at the First Floor Conference Hall of the BDA, officials said on Wednesday.

According to an official order, the hearings will primarily address grievances related to Task Force findings, the General Administration (G.A.) Audit Report, and assets managed by the Allotment Branch. Allottees facing issues in these areas have been encouraged to present their concerns during the scheduled sessions.

Since assuming charge, BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana has emphasized citizen-centric governance, prioritizing grievance redressal and service delivery. Earlier, he initiated hearings focused on the Planning Branch, aimed at expediting resolution of pending matters and improving coordination with citizens.

In line with this approach, grievance hearings concerning planning issues are now jointly conducted with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). These sessions take place at the BMC Planning Branch on the first Saturday of every month between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Additionally, a joint weekly public grievance hearing involving BDA, BMC, and Smart City officials is being organized every Monday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at the LG Conference Hall of the BMC, ICOMC Building, Bhoi Nagar, Unit-IX, Bhubaneswar.

Officials said these measures reflect the BDA’s commitment to responsive governance and structured citizen engagement. By institutionalizing grievance hearings, the authority aims to provide a transparent platform for addressing concerns, thereby reinforcing trust between the administration and the public.

Observers note that such initiatives are crucial in a rapidly growing city like Bhubaneswar, where urban development projects often intersect with citizen interests. The BDA’s proactive stance is expected to streamline processes, reduce delays, and foster accountability in service delivery.