By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: An applicant for a learner’s driving license from the District Transport Office (DTO) found it was taking an unusually long time. Irked by the delay, the applicant finally dialed 1-800-3453644 and registered a complaint with the Meghalaya Integrated Information System (MIIS).
Within a few days of the complaint, the applicant got a call from the DTO and was asked to take his learner’s license immediately courtesy the MIIS intervention.
The hi-tech public outreach system was launched with the objective of disseminating information to the public besides forwarding their grievances to the concerned departments, thereby reducing the hardship and delay that citizens undergo while dealing with Government departments.
Talking to The Shillong Times about the entire concept, Regional Manager of the MIIS, Gail TW Thomas said the MIIS forwards the complaints of citizens to the nodal officer of any department and accordingly the department takes action.
“The nodal officer of every department is given 30 days to attend to the grievances of the complainant,” she added.
Although at present the MIIS gets few calls, it is learnt that many people visit the help desk to seek information on different matters.
The system is expected to enable citizens to keep abreast of Government schemes particularly in the rural areas where people information does not easily reach them.
Replying to a query, Thomas said so far the MIIS has only received 30-40 calls where people have sought specific information about Government schemes as well as registering their grievances against a particular authority. “Sometimes we get two calls a day and sometimes one call every two days,” she said.
According to Thomas, the call centre works as a help desk for people who find it tough to get their work done.
It is learnt that most of the calls received in the MIIS have sought information on Government schemes and particularly schemes for the disabled, widows and the aged.
The Government also plans to initiate video display panels in the second phase of the programme by using the power and reach of the Internet.
Under the new system, people can seek clarification about the application procedures for obtaining different government services — ration cards, driving license and other benefits. They can also use the system to get information about employment opportunities and educational facilities including quota seats and scholarships.
