Srinagar, Oct 24: Days after the Omar-Abdullah led government took charge of governance affairs in the Union Territory, the Criminal Investigation Department Thursday established a public grievance cell (PGC) at its Srinagar headquarters, in a move perceived to help restore and strengthen the police-public trust.
In a statement, a spokesperson of the CID said, “A Public Grievance Cell regarding passport verification cases, service and other verifications has been established at CID Headquarters, Srinagar, near Government Arts Emporium.”
“General public having grievances with regard to passport cases, service and other verifications can visit every Tuesday from 12pm onwards. They can register themselves for an appointment,” the statement said.
The statement provided the following email address and cell numbers for registering the appointments: [email protected]. Landline: 0194-2459935.
“In addition, a similar grievance cell shall be opened at CID Headquarters, Canal Road, Jammu, after shifting of offices from Srinagar to Jammu,” the statement said.
The move to set up the PGC comes amid oft-repeated concerns voiced by general public alleging piling up of service and passport verifications in the past few years.
“It is a welcome move. It will help restore police-public trust. Passports are a matter of right of people, and should be facilitated,” said Mujeeb Ahmad, a Srinagar resident.
He said the officials should prioritise grievances related to verifications concerning passports of students intending to study abroad, as well as those linked to jobs.
