Citizens' Charter of Panchayats: Time-bound service delivery in rural areas

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Citizens' Charter of panchayats has spelt it out that panchayats will have to deliver services in a time-bound manner, besides redressing the grievances and complaints of the rural populace in stipulated times.

The State Panchayat and Rural Development (P&RD) Department has identified 48 different services which the panchayats need to render and redress in a time-bound manner.

State P&RD Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass launched the Model Citizens' Charter for the Panchayats here on Tuesday. Launching the Charter, the minister said, "The Model Citizens' Charter is to improve panchayat services, besides making them transparent. This Charter will also make panchayat workers more accountable.

"If any person has a problem or grievance, they can write it in plain paper, attach proofs like photographs and submit them. The person will have to give their identity proof. Different panchayat officials are there to address issues in a time-bound manner.

"The panchayats have to issue trade licences in three days, permissions for the construction of residential and commercial structures in 15 days, issuance of NOCs (no-objection certificates) for the setting up of small industries in villages in 15 days, sanction of water supply connection in seven days, making arrangements for water supply, toilet facilities etc., for government schools in 30 days, etc."

According to P&RD Principal Secretary JB Ekka, the vision of the Citizens' Charter is 'timely delivery of services for empowering citizens, promoting the inclusive and sustainable growth of rural India'. The mission of the Charter, according to Ekka, is 'improving the quality of rural life through an efficient and effective delivery mechanism for panchayat residents'.

Such a service delivery system meant for urban areas was in place in the state earlier. However, departments could not effectively deliver goods due to various technical problems. If the P&RD Department can effectively deliver goods now, the Panchayati Raj system will scale a newer height, so will rural life.

Also Read: All the benefits of P&RD schemes must reach the beneficiaries: Ranjeet Kumar Dass

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