Visakhapatnam Joint Collector Gobbilla Vidyadhari on Monday urged government officials to address petitions received under the Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS) with empathy and a humane outlook, stressing that resolving public grievances must not be treated as a mere “bureaucratic duty”.

Speaking at the Public Grievance Redressal Forum held at the Collectorate, she reminded officials that petitioners often take leave from work and travel multiple times to resolve even minor issues and must be received with courtesy and sensitivity. “Officials should place themselves in the position of the complainant to appreciate their difficulties,” she said.

A total of 387 petitions were received at the forum – 163 from GVMC, 33 from the Revenue Department, 165 from other departments, and 26 from the Police.

Buttermilk distribution camp

Meanwhile, the Builders Association of India (BAI), Vizag Steel City Chapter, organised a buttermilk distribution camp at the Collectorate premises to provide relief to citizens visiting for PGRS during the intense summer heat. The Joint Collector inaugurated the initiative and commended BAI’s public service effort.