The state government has published a draft of Maharashtra Guarantee Of Public Services Bill, which provides for penalty for laxity in providing a government service in a stipulated time.
The government has invited suggestions on the draft bill.
It says that every 'eligible person' shall have the right to avail certain services within a stipulated time.
Every 'public authority' shall display a list of these 'notified services' offered at its office on a notice board. It would also give the details of 'designated officer' (the officer who is supposed to deal with the applications), 'first appellate authorities' and 'second appellate authorities'.
The stipulated time shall start from the date when the application is submitted. It would be acknowledged, and the applicant shall be given in writing or "through electronic means", of a 'Unique Application Number' and the stipulated time for its disposal.
The officer would then either provide the service in the specified time, or reject the application with reasons.
With the unique application number, applicant would be able to track the progress of application online. If he or she is not satisfied, or if the application is rejected, the person can approach the first appellate authority within thirty days.
This authority can impose a fine on the officer for failure to provide the service without sufficient reason. Appeal can be made to the second appellate authority.
The second appellate authority can also direct the accounts officer to deduct the fine from the designated officer's salary.
