Kolkata: Queries on Annapurna Yojana dominated the direct phone-based grievance system between citizens and the state urban development and municipal affairs minister that got underway on Tuesday. The programme, called ‘Mukho Mukhi’, allows people to call minister Agnimitra Paul directly about civic problems.However, with most Kolkatans unable to get through due to a last-minute change in the call centre number following a technical glitch, most of the callers were from the districts and their posers were primarily about the Annapurna Yojana. The two major queries: one was about elibility from those who were yet to apply; and the other on when money would get credited from those who had applied. Paul advised the callers to get in touch with the local administrative office on the matter.There were also callers from Bally, Mahestala, Brman and other municipal areas who spoke about garbage dumping and waterlogging. Although these areas are not under KMC, Paul said the garbage would be cleaned and the waterlogging problems would be solved soon.A caller from Bhowanipur spoke about a problem related to thika land. Paul said she would check the file and try to solve the issue. Another caller complained that a private hospital was running without a proper building plan and fire licence. Paul said officials from her department would contact the caller for details and a notice would be sent soon.The programme was scheduled to begin at 3 pm, but it started about 45 minutes late because of a technical glitch. The call centre number had to be changed at the last moment. Because of this, many people from Kolkata could not call.Paul apologised for the problem on the first day and said the next “Mukho Mukhi” programme would be held on Thursday and focus on problems in Asansol Municipal Corporation. She said the phone number for the July 9 programme will be shared, and people can call about civic problems such as parks, water supply, roads and drainage.
