KARACHI, Jan 5: In pursuance of the directives of governor Muhammadmian Soomro, the provincial government has set up Public Outreach Cell (POC), with Muhammad Aslam Sanjrani, secretary, mineral development department, as its coordinator.

The creation of the cell is aimed at developing an effective liaison between the government and the masses so that problems faced by them could be identified and resolved and to monitor the provision of services to them in a better way.

Under the public outreach programme, the ministers would hold open meetings in different districts to take stock of the situation, listen to the public grievances and take steps for redressal. The ministers would listen to all problems relating to electricity, water, gas, telephone, agriculture development bank, small business finance corporation, NADRA, passport and other government departments and would make efforts for an early resolution of the problems. The applicants would also be informed about the actions taken.

During the open meetings, concerned DCOs, Nazims, Naib Nazims and other concerned officers would also remain present. The federal government has also nominated Focal Persons, who would attend such meetings and note down problems raised by the people so that they could be taken up with the concerned departments and submit reports to the government along with suggestions.

Before holding open meetings, the people of respective districts would be informed through the press and electronic media so that they could bring applications and raise complaints. The people attending open meetings would be issued forms on the spot to fill up with their name, address, NIC number, etc.

The series of meetings under public outreach programme will begin from Jan 11, when provincial minister for irrigation and power Ali Mir Shah will hold a meeting at District Council Hall Naushehro Feroz at 11am while minister for agriculture, food and forest Hassan Ali Chaniho will hold open meeting at Town Committee Kunri, district Mirpurkhas on Jan 11 at 11am.—PPI