Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK/SP)

Mangaluru, Jan 27: Briefing media persons in the city about his phone-in programme in which he listens to and addresses various problems coming in from the general public, city police commissioner, M Chandra Sekhar, noted on Friday January 27 that traffic problems have been the most predominant of the problems raised by the people with him during the said programme. The 'phone-in' programme, which was launched on August 5, 2016, is held between 10 and 11 am on every Friday where Chandra Sekhar himself or DCP (law and order) Sanjeeva Patil listen to grievances from calls and address them.

The phone-in programme held January 27 happened to be the 25th such programme. 

"We started this phone in programme on August 5, 2016, where citizens can ring up anytime and give information on the problems they face in terms of traffic, road issues and many more. During the phone-in programme, suggestions are also invited from the citizens and we try to serve the public in a better manner."

The commissioner said that till now, a total of 403 phone calls were received under this programme. Out of them, 373 complaints which constitute 92.5 percent of the calls, were fully redressed. Ten complaints (2.5 %) were partly addressed, while 20 (5%) were transferred to other departments.

Giving split-up figures of the calls, he said that 251 (65%) calls related to traffic management, 52 (13%) belonged to law and order, 56 (14%) were connected with issues concerning other departments, and 34 (8%) which were directly disposed off.

Out of the traffic-related issues, 45 percent were concerning parking issues, 22 percent related to buses, 17 percent to cases of reckless and over speeding, and 14 percent were connected with other traffic problems, he stated. Among the complaints on bus services, 35 percent were concerning reckless driving and over speeding, 13 about use of shrill horns, 17 percent about seats, 13 percent about ticket issues, and 22 percent about irregular stops.

Relating to traffic management issues, 48,464 cases were registered under the commissionerate, and fine of Rs 3 9,07,600 was collected. Under law and order, 52 calls were registered. Under this shead, 3,866 cases were registered, and Rs 3,79,820 was collected in the form of fine. In addition, 321 accused were arrested, the commissioner narrated.

He said that relating to 20 calls relating to other departments, the other departments were contacted and correspondence was on between his department and other departments. "We have undertaken awareness programmes at various police stations within the city on the basis of suggestions and advice received from the people during the 'phone-in' programme, he added.

"We will also look into the traffic congestion at PVS, Bunts Hostel and Nantoor. These points witness more
violations including signal-breaking. Stringent action will be taken on such offenders. We are also planning to install clear-cut sign boards and information boards to avoid confusion among visitors coming from other districts or states," he said.

People can call on 0824-2220801 or 0824-2220830 every Friday from 10 am to 11 am to air their grievances.

The police commissioner expressed his gratitude for the success of this mass contact programme, which was started with the inspiration provided by the media, to the media persons, social media, and the general public for their positive response towards it.

DCP (law and order) K M Shantharaju and DCP (traffic) Sanjeeva Patil were present.