Bhubaneswar, Sept 2: Democracy thrives only when citizens have faith in governance patterns and the individuals entrusted to execute them. The true mantra of successful democratic governance lies in decentralisation and the seamless delivery of services at the people’s doorsteps. For this, a clearly defined model becomes essential. Perhaps realising this imperative, the Odisha government has rolled out the ambitious ‘Ama Shasana’ initiative. Launched by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the programme is being hailed by development planners and policy experts as a transformative leap in Odisha’s governance model—one that firmly places the citizen at the very centre of administration.

By institutionalising channels of direct communication and feedback, the government has redefined the relationship between the state and its people, making governance not just participatory but truly people-driven. At its core, ‘Ama Shasana’ reflects an unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsiveness—values often mentioned in policy debates but seldom translated into practice.

The initiative seeks to bridge the long-standing gap between citizens and policymakers by enabling the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and senior bureaucrats to personally interact with beneficiaries of welfare schemes. This dismantling of bureaucratic layers reassures people that their voices are heard and their concerns matter at the highest decision-making levels.

Equally noteworthy is the multi-pronged feedback mechanism—through phone calls, mobile apps, social media, chatbots, and a toll-free helpline. This diversified approach ensures that every citizen, whether from bustling urban centres or remote tribal villages, has a channel to express grievances, share suggestions, or acknowledge good service. The inclusivity of this system significantly strengthens democratic participation, giving people the confidence that governance is just a call or click away.

The symbolism of CM Majhi personally speaking to rural housing beneficiaries during the launch was striking. It underscored the government’s determination to go beyond ceremonial promises and engage directly with ground realities. This sets the tone for a governance model where citizens are no longer passive recipients of schemes but active stakeholders shaping service delivery.

In today’s era, where efficiency, accountability, and real-time responsiveness are key expectations, ‘Ama Shasana’ emerges as a pioneering experiment. It promises not only improved service delivery but also renewed trust—a vital currency for any democracy to thrive. By institutionalising dialogue, Odisha is scripting a new chapter where governance is not confined to files and offices but resonates in the voices of its people.

In essence, the initiative is a bold reaffirmation of the government’s promise: governance is not merely about drafting policies or rolling out programmes, but about people—their aspirations, their struggles, and their everyday realities. Through ‘Ama Shasana,’ Odisha has demonstrated how governance can truly walk the last mile and reach the doorsteps of its people, setting an example for the rest of the country.

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