When citizens speak, the system must listen, says Dharwad minister Lad at Janata Darshan

Caption: A senior citizen explains his grievance to district in-charge minister Santosh Lad at Janata darshan held at Dharwad on Tuesday. (TOI)Dharwad: For many, it was not just another government meeting. It was an opportunity to be heard.Farmers clutching land documents, elderly women seeking housing approvals, youth anxious about certificates, and residents worried about roads and drinking water gathered at the Zilla Panchayat Hall in Dharwad for the 12th district-level Janata Darshan on Tuesday. By the end of the day, 87 petitions had been received — each carrying a personal story, a delay, a frustration, or a hope.Presiding over the programme, labour and district minister Santosh Lad delivered a pointed message to officials: public service is not a favour — it is a responsibility funded by taxpayers.‘This is public money'Reminding officials that their salaries and benefits come from public funds, the minister said governance must be rooted in accountability and empathy. "Our work and our duties must be carried out with humanity and responsibility," he said, cautioning against delay, indifference, and mechanical replies to grievances. He warned that officials who show negligence or fail to discharge duties sincerely could face disciplinary action. The remark resonated with many in the hall — especially those who said they had already visited multiple offices before finally arriving at Janata Darshan.Issues behind the numbersWhile 87 petitions were officially recorded, the issues they represented were diverse. They included land and revenue issues (21 petitions), rural development and panchayat raj (20 petitions), urban development (19 petitions), housing (7 petitions) and transport (4 petitions)A system under scrutinyIn his address, minister Lad observed that some departments appeared to be responding to public complaints without proper examination. "When petitions are forwarded without verification or without informing the applicant properly, it creates frustration," he noted."For the district administration, Janata Darshan is a structured platform. For the public, it is often the last resort after repeated visits to taluk or local offices. The presence of senior district officials alongside the minister signalled seriousness, but the real test lies in follow-up," said minister Lad, and instructed departments to ensure timely disposal of all 87 petitions received during the session.