Draft Bill For Setting Up Citizens Charter

Government on 2^nd November unveiled a draft Bill to address Consumer grievances in a time bound manner.

Briefing reporters in New Delhi, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, V Narayanswamy said that the draft Bill provides for setting up of Citizens Charter in all government organisations, Ministries and Departments, Public Sector Undertakings and Panchayats and all other institutions.

Mr. Narayanswamy said that any organisation, not addressing the complaints within a stipulated time period, will face penalties.

The Minister said that the proposed draft Citizens Charter Bill is aimed at putting in place an efficient administration, accountability among public servants, and bring about transparency in the system.

He added that it will empower the citizens to question the delay in services.

Mr. Narayanswamy said that the draft Citizens Charter Bill also proposes setting up of State Citizen Grievance Redressal Commissions and Central Grievance Redressal Mechanism.

Over five lakh Grievance Redressal Officers, GROs will be appointed at different levels to address consumer grievances. The GRO will have to file Action Taken Report within 15 days of receiving the complaints.

Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said, the proposed legislation is a part of the five fold legal infrastructure to fight corruption.

He said that it will make Citizens Charter a statutory instrument.