Delhi residents will soon have a dedicated weekly platform to directly raise concerns with police authorities, as Delhi Police prepares to launch "Thana Divas-Jan Sunwai" across all police stations in the national capital. The initiative, which follows directions from Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, is aimed at strengthening police-public engagement and ensuring quicker resolution of complaints.
Beginning next week, public hearings will be conducted every Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm at all police stations. Citizens will be able to present complaints, seek assistance, share suggestions and discuss issues related to law and order directly with police officials.
Senior officers to oversee grievance hearings
To ensure effective implementation, senior officers from different ranks, including Special Commissioners of Police, Joint Commissioners, Additional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners, will attend the hearings on a rotational basis.
According to NDTV, Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha, through a circular, directed that every complainant must be heard irrespective of whether their grievance has been registered on the Integrated Complaint Monitoring System. Complaints received during the public hearing will be accepted first and uploaded to the system later.
Officials believe the presence of senior officers will help accelerate decision-making and improve confidence among residents approaching police stations with their concerns.
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Focus on accountability and timely action
According to NDTV, police stations have been instructed to maintain separate records of complaints received during the Jan Sunwai sessions. Cases requiring inquiries or field verification must be assigned immediately and processed within a reasonable period.
Pending matters will be reviewed regularly by the concerned Assistant Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of Police to ensure that complaints do not remain unresolved for long durations.
The circular also makes district police leadership directly accountable for the programme's success. District DCPs, ACPs and Station House Officers have been tasked with ensuring effective implementation and prompt disposal of grievances.
Delhi Police has made it clear that delays, negligence or casual handling of complaints will be viewed seriously.
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Citizen-friendly approach at police stations
To make the experience more comfortable for visitors, police stations have been directed to arrange adequate seating facilities, assistance desks and a welcoming environment during the weekly hearings.
Authorities have also launched a public awareness drive to encourage participation. District police units will publicise the initiative through social media platforms, police station notice boards, Resident Welfare Associations, Market Welfare Associations and beat officers.
In addition, every district will submit fortnightly reports detailing the number of complaints received, resolved and pending, along with key issues highlighted during the hearings.
