UP Govt to Launch ‘Samvad Setu’ App: Command Centre Alert If Officials Ignore MLA Calls

Lucknow: The issue of government officials allegedly ignoring calls from MLAs and other public representatives has sparked major political debate in Uttar Pradesh. The matter was recently raised strongly in the State Assembly by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, and even several BJP legislators echoed similar concerns, highlighting what they termed as growing disrespect towards elected representatives.

In response to the controversy, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana has taken a strict stand and directed government officers to ensure full respect and timely communication with public representatives. The state government is now preparing to introduce a new monitoring mechanism to address the problem.

Officials Must Respond or Call Back Within 10 Minutes

As per the proposed system, if a public representative calls an officer and the call is not answered, the officer will be required to call back within 10 minutes. If the officer fails to do so, a command centre in Lucknow will immediately generate an alert, prompting the concerned officer to respond without delay.

This step is being seen as a major move to ensure accountability and strengthen communication between elected representatives and government officials.

‘Samvad Setu’ App to Bridge Communication Gap

To implement the system effectively, the Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to roll out a dedicated mobile application named ‘Samvad Setu’, aimed at improving coordination and resolving complaints raised by MLAs and other representatives.

The information was shared by Asim Arun, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Social Welfare, who stated that the app will act as a structured platform to establish direct and monitored communication between officials and public representatives.

Pilot Project to Begin from February 25

According to Arun, the initiative will begin as a pilot project from February 25 in three districts — Hardoi, Ghaziabad, and Kannauj. Based on its performance, the system may later be expanded across the state.

The facility will be linked only with officials’ CUG (Closed User Group) numbers, meaning representatives will be required to contact officers through their official CUG contacts. Officials have also been instructed to ensure that their mobile phones remain switched on at all times.

Strict Warning from Assembly Speaker

Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana has issued clear instructions that officers must receive calls from MLAs and respond appropriately. He warned that failure to comply with these directions could invite strict action under existing rules.

The decision was delivered on Wednesday in response to a notice raised under Rule 300, in which several legislators including SP Chief Whip Kamal Akhtar, Dr Sangram Yadav, and Dr Ragini Sonkar alleged that officers in the state are becoming undisciplined and are not showing due respect to elected representatives.

The move is expected to bring stronger administrative accountability and ensure quicker redressal of public issues raised by lawmakers.