Residents fume as distribution of QR-code card done haphazardly

Trichy: The quick response (QR) code-based grievance redressal platform being implemented in all 65 wards of Trichy city has come in for criticism as the cards were distributed haphazardly and a section of residents alleging that they were not given awareness about their purpose and how to submit their grievances.Residents of Karumandapam said that some of their houses have received multiple cards and some were dumped in mailboxes. “The purpose of the QR-code cards was not explained, and no signatures were obtained. Handing over of the cards was improper, accountability is missing,” C Balasubramanian, a resident of Karumandapam in ward 55 said. The cards were thrown randomly even as the occupants were inside the house. Around 2.3 lakh cards were supposed to be distributed to serve as a comprehensive grievance redressal platform. “Senior citizens will not understand how to lodge complaints unless they were explained on a trial basis. Volunteers should explain,” K Vignesh, another resident added. Trichy corporation sources said that they would inquire into the lapses.After the QR code system implemented on a pilot basis in ward number 22 was found satisfactory, the corporation in July allocated Rs1 crore to expand the scheme. Residents will get a unique card, through which they can scan the QR code from their mobile phones to submit grievances on drinking water supply, faulty streetlights, overflowing sewage and taxation issues. Based on the property assessment number, the codes were generated, printed, and distributed.