Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the Secha Samadhan app in a bid to link the farmers directly with the Water Resources Department. Patnaik said the mobile app will help resolve the issues faced by farmers quickly and provide services in a transparent manner under the 5T initiative. The Water Resources Department will be accountable to farmers, who are its biggest stakeholders.
Secha Samadhan is a bilingual mobile app through which farmers can upload videos and photos of issues related to their farms, especially irrigational needs, on mobile phones and seek the help of the Water Resources Department. The status of their registered problems can be notified to them via SMS, and precise steps can be taken for finding a solution. The farmers can use both mobile apps or seek help from the Jan Seva Kendra (public services centre) to register complaints. This online facility will streamline the registration process, and the farmers need not rush to the government offices for each problem.
Three other online services were also launched:
- The Community Lift Irrigation Project online application facility under the Biju Krushak Yojana
- A portal for applying for water distribution to the industries
- An additional portal for applying for water distribution to small commercial establishments
Commenting on the development, Patnaik said, “The farmers are the largest beneficiaries of the Water Resources Department. Hence, this online service can now immensely help the farmers for immediate redressal of their complaints lodged. The use of technology can now make the department more accountable and transparent in service delivery. A timely step can be taken now to approve the applications of the farmers meant for the Biju Krushak Yojana.”
Prominent officials including Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy, Development Commissioner, Agriculture Secretary, Industries Secretary Suresh Mohapatra, and VK Pandian, Secretary to CM were all present at the ceremony.