Good Governance Week Workshop Held in Thane, Focus on Digital Governance and AI
Administration must ensure citizen-centric service delivery and swift grievance redressal: Collector Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal
Emphasising transparency, speed, and technology-driven administration, Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal, District Collector of Thane, called upon government departments to prioritise public service delivery and effective resolution of citizens’ grievances, during a district-level workshop organised as part of Good Governance Week.
The workshop was held at the District Collector’s Office Committee Hall in Thane and formed part of a nationwide initiative launched by the Government of India to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The primary objective of the initiative is to make citizens aware of the services delivered by the administration and to strengthen trust between governance institutions and the public.
Citizen Grievances Must Be Resolved with Sensitivity
Addressing senior officials, Dr. Panchal stated that resolving citizens’ complaints is the core responsibility of district administration. He directed departments to organise special grievance redressal camps, avoid delays in online service delivery, and ensure that complaints—whether personal or social—are heard patiently and resolved empathetically.
He stressed that officials and staff must maintain updated records, document actions taken, and interact with citizens politely and compassionately, adding that the concept of “Administration at the doorstep of villages” offers officials a meaningful opportunity to serve people directly.
Digital Governance and AI to Reduce Human Intervention
Highlighting the role of technology, the District Collector underlined that digital tools and e-governance platforms significantly reduce human intervention, thereby improving transparency and efficiency.
🖥️ “True success of good governance lies in enabling citizens to receive services without having to visit government offices,” he remarked, while urging departments to adopt digital systems, AI-based tools, and integrated e-governance solutions.
He further instructed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure seamless implementation of digital initiatives and timely grievance resolution.
Key Pillars of Good Governance
Dr. Panchal noted that the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India, has outlined three core pillars for Good Governance Week:
- Efficient public service delivery
- Time-bound grievance redressal
- Transparency in administration
He emphasised the need to balance legal frameworks with a humane and empathetic approach, ensuring that government schemes reach the last mile beneficiary.
Participation of Senior Officials and Digital Showcases
The workshop was attended by senior officials including Additional District Collector Harishchandra Patil, Resident Deputy Collector Dr. Sandeep Mane, Deputy District Election Officer Vaishali Mane, District Planning Officer Vaibhav Kulkarni, and representatives from multiple departments such as agriculture, disaster management, banking, municipal administration, and the Zilla Parishad.
Several departments showcased innovative governance initiatives implemented under the Good Governance framework through digital presentations, which were appreciated by the District Collector. He encouraged other local self-government bodies and departments to replicate these digital best practices.
Moving Towards Transparent and Responsive Administration
The workshop concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen citizen-focused governance, leverage technology and AI, and ensure timely, transparent, and accountable public service delivery, reinforcing the spirit of Good Governance Week.