Kerala Launches “CM with Me”; First Citizen-Centric Program in India

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government today launched “CM with Me” (Mukhyamanthri Ennodoppam), a people- centric initiative aimed at improving citizen-government communication. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the program, highlighting the government’s primary responsibility to be accountable and responsive to the public.

The Citizen Connect Center aims to bridge communication gaps between the public and the government, ensuring timely action on complaints and keeping citizens informed about measures taken. The program is unprecedented in its approach, promising action on complaints reported to the system within 48 hours, with reasons communicated if immediate resolution is not possible.

Highlighting the broader vision, the Chief Minister said Kerala is progressing towards the construction of “Nava Keralam” (New Kerala), a development model based on transparency, inclusiveness, and public participation. Citizens are encouraged to provide suggestions to improve governance, highlight deficiencies, and contribute to the state’s development.

The Chief Minister noted that initiatives such as Nava Kerala Sadas, where ministers engage directly with the public with support from people’s representatives, and three -level File Adalats to clear backlogs, reflect the government’s commitment to participatory governance. District -specific issues are now addressed through Collector’s Conferences, a new approach that divides the state into sectors to ensure localized problem-solving.

The CM with Me program has a two -layer structure. The first, the Receiving Layer, will operate 24/7 , handling ten simultaneous calls, listening to citizens, and recording complaints. The second layer, comprising representatives from local self- government, revenue, home, cooperative departments, and 22 other key departments, will provide timely resolutions.

Chief Minister Vijayan also stressed that the state’s progress should be measured not only by economic statistics but by the realities of citizens’ lives. He pointed out that the program is a continuation of previous efforts to provide doorstep services , ensuring that even the marginalised and vulnerable receive government services efficiently.

Through CM with Me, citizens will have streamlined access to major government programs, welfare schemes, sector -specific initiatives, and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The system also allows citizens to suggest improvements, reduce delays, and ensure effective coordination during emergencies and disaster relief.

Officials supporting the program include expert officers, experienced departmental representatives, and a ten-member police team for law-and-order matters. Nodal offices will operate in all districts, with a network capable of collecting and addressing issues from anywhere in the state.

Over the past nine years, Kerala has implemented initiatives under Nava Kerala Nirmithi, such as the Ardram Mission, Public Education Rejuvenation, Haritha Kerala, and LIFE, ensuring universal access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment. These programs have transformed the state’s social and economic landscape, making it a model of social harmony, peace, and sustainable development.

Chief Minister Vijayan concluded that “CM with Me” is a continuation of the government’s vision to place people at the center of governance, making them active participants in shaping Kerala’s future.