Grievance Redressal Mechanisms
Panchayat Level Grievance Redressal Committee
A Panchayat Level Grievance Redressal Committee is a committee formed to receive, examine and resolve complaints arising from the people of the Gram Panchayat related to administration or services. Its main objective is to provide justice to the public in a speedy and transparent manner. Complaints can be submitted online or in person by the public.
Composition of the Committee
Panchayat President – Chairperson
Members
Vice President
Standing Committee Chairpersons
Panchayat Secretary
Related Officers
Executive Officer who is competent to provide expert advice on the subject matter of the complaint
Member of the ward concerned with the complaint
Ombudsman
The Ombudsman is a state-level institution formed to hear and resolve complaints on matters such as corruption, maladministration, lawlessness etc. of local self-government institutions and their public representatives and officials. A retired High Court Judge is appointed as the Ombudsman by the Governor. The procedures are different and simpler than those of other courts. The Ombudsman is the most cost-effective mechanism for the public to redress grievances.
Main powers and duties of the Ombudsman.
Powers
To examine the allegations and pass orders.
To pass interim orders restraining the local self-government body from taking any specific action.
To impose compensation and fines
The powers vested in a civil court to try a case under the Civil Procedure Act, 1908
The power to call for the services of any government officer, including police officers.
Duties
To provide redress to the grievances of the public
To improve the administration of local self-government bodies.
To conduct a thorough investigation into the grievances contained in a complaint or referred to by the government or brought to the notice of the Ombudsman.
Matters not within the purview of the Ombudsman
Matters formally and publicly ordered by the Government for investigation
Matters to be redressed by the Local Self-Government Tribunal
Matters pending before a court under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952
A complaint filed after 3 years from the date of the alleged event (but a complaint may be entertained if there is sufficient reason for not being able to file a complaint)
Tribunal
A tribunal is a judicial mechanism for filing appeals/revision petitions against decisions of local self-government bodies. The tribunal is a judge of the rank of a district judge. The government appoints the tribunal in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court. The tribunals have the power to examine disputes between local self-government bodies and between them and the government and report their opinions to the government.
Powers
Powers vested in a civil court under the Civil Procedure Act, 1908 while trying a case
Any proceeding before the Tribunal shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding under the Indian Penal Code
An interim order may be issued to stay the proceedings on the application of the petitioner.
Power to issue necessary directions to the local self-governing bodies.
Points to be noted while filing a petition with the Tribunal
A certified copy of each petition and the relevant documents along with a bank draft of Rs. 50 in favour of the Tribunal should be sent. As many copies as there are of the opposing parties should be submitted.
An appeal should ordinarily be filed within 30 days. However, if there is sufficient cause, an appeal/revision can be filed up to one month after this period.
In cases where an appeal has been filed with the local self-governing bodies and is not disposed of within 60 days, a revision/appeal can be filed in the Tribunal within 90 days. However, if there are sufficient reasons, an appeal/revision can be filed within one month after this time limit.
Other Grievance Redressal Mechanisms
Chief Minister's Grievance Redressal Cell
An IT-based Public Grievance Redressal Cell is functioning at the Chief Minister's Office. Complaints related to various offices of the state government and complaints related to local governments are received and processed in this cell. Complaints can be filed on the toll-free number 1076 or on the portal cmo.kerala.gov.in.
CM With Me
CM With Me is a program for direct interaction between the people and the government. If the public has a complaint, they can call its toll-free number. The officials will listen to the complaint, answer the phone call and then transfer the complaint to the department to which it relates.
To ensure active participation of the people in governance and to further strengthen communication between the government and the people, a comprehensive Citizen Connect Center named "Chief Minister with Me" has been launched. The objective of this center is not only to file complaints but also to listen to the opinions of the people.
Toll Free Number:- 1800-425-6789.
WhatsApp number to report delays in services and corruption
8078066060
Malinya Mukta Nava Kerala