Open House: Should QR code-based feedback system for citizens be introduced in Chandigarh Administration departments?

The adoption of QR codes has become crucial in today’s digital era. Not only is it cost-effective and user-friendly, but it also has the ability to collect vast amounts of information. Introducing a QR code-based review system would enable the public to evaluate the performance of government departments in real time, from anywhere, with just a click. This system could allow citizens to file complaints and give feedback easily. Departments, in turn, would benefit by improving their processes based on citizen reviews, fostering greater efficiency and transparency.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

QR code-based system crucial

A QR code-based feedback system will benefit both the public and senior officers. It will help them assess the performance of their subordinates, provided officers are morally bound to protect citizens’ rights. This initiative should be implemented across all departments for consistent performance evaluation. Feedback from citizens will directly impact the performance appraisals of concerned officers, highlighting areas for improvement. The fear of public reviews can encourage officers to prioritize citizen requests and complete tasks on time. However, this system will only work if proper records are maintained and feedback is regularly reviewed. The system will also require cooperation from officers, as well as necessary checks from senior officials. Strict reporting protocols must be established, with daily summaries presented to a high-level committee for evaluation.

Kirpal Singh, Chandigarh

Expand system across departments

QR codes offer a fast and efficient way to interact with public services and expanding this review system to other Chandigarh administration departments would significantly improve transparency. Citizens could use QR codes for multiple things, such as — pay property taxes, utility bills and parking fees; reporting issues such as potholes, streetlight failures and other civic problems; booking tickets for public transport and providing feedback on services such as buses and taxis; managing healthcare services such as patient registrations, medical records and appointment bookings; and lodging complaints with police and emergency services. Such a system would empower citizens, reduce corruption and promote digital literacy across the region.

Capt Amar Jeet, Kharar

QR-based system commendable step

A QR-based feedback system is a commendable step towards enhancing public engagement. However, its effectiveness lies in how the administration responds to the reviews. For the system to have a real impact, it is essential to take strict actions based on genuine feedback. Previous attempts, such as QR codes for park toilets, have failed due to a lack of follow-up. Without visible improvements, this system risks becoming yet another ineffective tool.

Ravinder Nath

Feedback important to improve depts

QR-based citizen review systems should be implemented in all departments to ensure better governance. Feedback from citizens will help identify areas for improvement. Employees receiving positive reviews can be rewarded, while those who receive negative feedback must face corrective actions. This would help departments stay accountable and enhance overall service delivery. The city would truly become a “smart city” if this system is adopted across all public-facing departments.

Prof HS Dhanoa, Chandigarh

follow-through on citizen feedback

A QR-based system for providing feedback on the functioning of government departments is a welcome step; however, its success hinges on a dedicated team to analyse the reviews. The system will only be effective if it results in action — particularly if negative feedback affects performance appraisals and is taken into account during promotions. Furthermore, citizens must be informed about the actions taken on their feedback to ensure they feel heard and valued.

Gurnoor Grewal, Chandigarh

Need to be patient with review system

While the idea of a QR code-based citizen review system sounds promising, it is crucial to assess the public’s response to the system before expanding it to other departments. The system’s success largely depends on whether the administration takes concrete actions based on citizen feedback. It would be beneficial for the UT administration to make action reports publicly available to demonstrate that they are genuinely considering and responding to the feedback.

Kumar Gupt, Panchkula

QR Codes for better governance

The introduction of QR codes as a review system in government departments can revolutionise the way citizens engage with public services. This system, which is easy to use and cost-effective, ensures transparency and encourages accountability. For it to be successful, there must be safeguards in place to prevent misuse of the system, such as fake reviews. Alternative methods should also be considered for individuals who are not digitally literates.

Harinder Singh Bhalla, Chandigarh

Empowering citizens through QR codes

The QR-based review system introduced by the Chandigarh police is a significant step towards building trust and transparency. Expanding this initiative to cover all departments within Chandigarh Administration would further improve governance. Citizens should be empowered to provide feedback on various services, such as healthcare, public transport and municipal utilities. This would not only improve service delivery but also foster collaboration between citizens and the government.

Vijay Katyal, Panchkula

Using tech to improve police services

With the advent of artificial intelligence, the complaint and redressal systems are becoming efficient. The QR code-based review system can play a pivotal role in improving the police administration in Chandigarh. By enabling citizens to provide instant feedback, transparency is enhanced and officers are held accountable for their actions. This system reduces the time and effort required to file complaints and speeds up the redressal process.

Malkeet Kaur Virk, Patiala

Review System for All Public Departments

The QR-based citizen review system can be extended across various Chandigarh Administration departments. Departments such as health, transport and sanitation could greatly benefit from real-time citizen feedback, ensuring timely corrective actions. By encouraging active participation from citizens, this system will drive improvements in service delivery and enhance trust in the administration.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Need QR-based system in all public depts

Chandigarh Administration must implement a QR code-based review system across all departments, particularly those dealing with the public. This system will allow citizens to provide instant feedback on services like public transport, healthcare and municipal utilities, which will help in identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement. By analysing feedback patterns, authorities can address systemic issues and drive excellence in service delivery.

Amanjot Kaur, Mohali

Will facilitate citizen-centric governance

A QR code-based feedback system can be implemented in various departments, including the municipal corporation for civic services, the health department for hospital and clinic experiences, the education department for school feedback and the public works department for road maintenance. By gathering citizen feedback across these departments, the Chandigarh Administration can create a more responsive, citizen-centric government.

Gurdev Singh, Mohali

Major step towards greater transparency

A QR code-based review system for police interactions has proven to be a step towards greater transparency. This system should be expanded to other departments within the Chandigarh Administration, including healthcare, transportation, and sanitation. By collecting feedback across these areas, the administration can enhance service delivery and foster greater citizen participation.

Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali

Boosting public trust through QR codes

Expanding the QR code-based feedback system to all departments within Chandigarh can foster a more accountable and transparent administration. Citizens will have the opportunity to quickly provide feedback on a wide range of services, promoting better governance. Regular analysis of this feedback will lead to more effective resource allocation and improved public satisfaction.

Sargunpreet Kaur, Mohali

Success will depend on Timely action

A QR-based review system is an excellent initiative; however, its success depends on timely action. Reviews must be read and acted upon quickly, ensuring government employees address pending work and take appropriate action. Authenticity is also crucial to prevent the system from being misused.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Enhance transparency, accountability

Implementing a citizen review system across departments will ensure transparency and efficiency, allowing citizens to provide valuable feedback on their interactions with officials. To maximize its impact, the QR code should be prominently displayed on each department's website, making it easily accessible. The feedback collected should be used to rank departments based on key parameters like conduct, accessibility and response time. An inter-monthly competition between departments could motivate improvement, with top performers — both individuals and departments — being recognised with financial incentives and public acknowledgment. These rankings, along with highlights of top performers, should be strategically displayed in prominent public areas to keep citizens informed. This system will not only amplify the voice of the public but also hold officials accountable, validate the quality of service and raise the overall standards of the tricity.

Brigadier Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

Citizen feedback for better services

Citizen-based feedback mechanisms are essential for any civic system and the introduction of such a system in the police department is a welcome step. To enhance its effectiveness, the feedback process should be made more versatile by incorporating additional questions that address specific aspects of service. This system should also be expanded to other departments, particularly those that have significant public interactions. Starting with departments such as sanitation and public relations would be a strategic move to ensure broader coverage and greater citizen engagement.

Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh

Healthy competition among police stations

In a significant move towards enhancing transparency in the Chandigarh police department, the UT administration has launched a QR code-based citizen review system alongside cyber awareness kiosks. These two initiatives aim to improve service delivery through public feedback and raise awareness about cyber safety. The QR code system empowers citizens to evaluate police functioning, allowing them to rank police stations based on key performance indicators. This initiative fosters healthy competition among police stations, driving greater efficiency in governance and benefiting the public. The feedback collected will be used to rank the stations monthly, with results displayed publicly on the Chandigarh Police website, ensuring transparency and showcasing top performers. Meanwhile, the cyber awareness kiosks, strategically placed at prominent locations, address the growing importance of cyber security. They offer valuable information on cyber safety and provide easy access for reporting cyber incidents. To further promote transparency and accountability, this citizen feedback system should be expanded to other public-facing departments in the UT, ensuring better governance across all services.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Will enhance efficiency of dept

The QR code-based feedback system should be implemented across all departments, especially those with high public interaction. However, the key to its success lies in ensuring that every piece of feedback is thoroughly analysed by the head of department (HOD) and their trusted team members. This regular and detailed review process will help the HOD assess the performance of both individual team members and the department as a whole. Additionally, this system will serve as a powerful tool for identifying high and low performers, fostering a culture of accountability, and improving the overall efficiency of the department. A hidden yet significant benefit is its potential to curb corruption, as the system provides transparency and makes officials more accountable, contributing to a cleaner and more effective administration.

Vijay Shukla, Chandigarh

Will ensure fairness, accountability

The introduction of a QR code-based feedback system for official performance can benefit both citizens and higher officials by highlighting shortcomings in the system. The possibility of complaints being filed through this system may encourage employees to improve their performance and accountability. However, there is a risk that the system could be misused by individuals with personal or biased motives. To ensure the system's effectiveness, it is crucial that complaints are evaluated objectively and fairly. This unbiased approach will help build trust among both officials and the public, fostering greater confidence in the system.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (Retd), Mohali

QR feedback will streamline work

Time is the best healer, and the Chandigarh Administration has taken a commendable step by launching the QR code-based citizen review system. This initiative is a positive move that will prove highly beneficial. As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention, and this system is a perfect example of how small changes can solve both minor and major issues. By implementing this system across all departments, citizens can approach government services without hesitation, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency. It will not only streamline processes but also speed up office work, creating a more responsive and accountable administration.

Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali

Admn should take necessary steps quickly

The QR code-based citizen review system has been introduced, enabling people to provide feedback on their interactions with police officials. Chandigarh Administration should take necessary steps immediately to implement such similar system in departments. This system makes the democracy more reliable. This step ensure the transparency in the administration system.

Adish Sood, Amloh

Enhancing efficiency through reviews

The idea of a QR code-based citizen review system is excellent, as it empowers the common man to assess the functioning of any department. However, the success of this system hinges on the honest analysis of the reviews and the prompt action taken to address concerns. It is crucial that a specific officer be designated to oversee improvements based on feedback, with a particular focus on addressing repeated performance issues. Ensuring that the reviews of citizens' visits and interactions with the department are taken seriously will go a long way in enhancing overall efficiency and service quality.

Bharat Bhushan Sharma Chandigarh

Question for next week

Facing financial crunch, the Municipal Corporation relies heavily on property tax as its primary revenue source. However, a significant number of defaulters don't pay the tax. What measures

should the MC implement to recover the outstanding taxes?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to openhouse@tribunemail.com