OREANDA-NEWS. November 23, 2010. Dmitry Medvedev held a videoconference with residents of several regions throughout the nation, as well as governors and federal departments. Following the videoconference, the President gave a series of instructions on social issues.

Before hearing individual citizen appeals, Dmitry Medvedev addressed staff at all Presidential reception centres that are being opened in the regions. The President noted that the majority of the appeals submitted by citizens to the President concern issues pertaining to the provision of housing, social matters, housing and utilities, and in most cases, involve matters within regional authorities’ jurisdiction. Dmitry Medvedev emphasised that resolving citizens’ problems must be a priority for local government bodies. Particular attention must be given to appeals from elderly citizens. Furthermore, the President demanded that answers to appeals be given in a substantive and timely manner.

Starting today, citizens from all of the nation’s regions can appeal to the President through Presidential reception offices that have opened in all regions of the nation. Dmitry Medvedev emphasised that the approach toward handling appeals must change: citizens must be given the opportunity to monitor the progress of their appeals through the use of electronic technologies, including websites and electronic reception offices, which will open in 48 regions. Dmitry Medvedev also stated the need for an exchange of information between Presidential reception offices and government services centres that are being created in the regions.

During the videoconference, residents of the Primorye Territory, Bashkortostan, Penza, Rostov, and Smolensk regions addressed the President. Following each appeal, the President gave concrete instructions to governors and corresponding ministers. One of the instructions was given following an appeal in the President’s blog, submitted by the Tver Region residents.

In particular, the instructions concern implementing energy efficient city lighting and heating systems, as well as modernising water supply facilities.