Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014 | 07 Feb 2024

Why in News?

According to Haryana Right to Service Commission (HRTSC) chief commissioner, the Auto Appeal System (AAS) introduced under the Right to Service Act, 2014 is a game changer in ensuring transparency and accountability in service delivery to citizens.

Key Points

  • The HRTSC, reviewed the findings of an exhaustive study “Comparative evaluation of implementation of Haryana Right to Service Act 2014” conducted by Chandigarh-based Institute for Development and Communication (IDC).
  • The IDC study shows that Haryana has emerged as a leading state by providing a robust grievances redressal forum. The effective implementation of the auto appeal mechanism by HRTSC and imposing a fine on the defaulting officer is ensuring hassle-free services to citizens.
  • To ensure timely and transparent delivery of public services, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the AAS on September 1, 2021.
    • Before AAS was launched, there was a provision for the manual filing of appeals, in the event of a delay in service delivery. However, it was cumbersome, leading to citizens not coming ahead to file appeals.
  • Now if a person’s work is not done on time and that work comes under the purview of the Right to Service Act, then under the AAS, the application goes to the appellate authority.
    • Even then if no work is done, then the application moves to the higher authority. Still, if work is not done at both these levels, then the application goes to the commission automatically.
  • The key findings of the study pointed out that among the beneficiaries 73% received the service as requested and 46% of beneficiaries were satisfied with the overall application process.
  • The findings also highlighted that the AAS has made the appeal system paperless and reduced legal burden and out-of-pocket costs earlier incurred by the citizens.

Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014

  • It was enacted with the sole objective of providing an effective framework for time bound delivery of services being provided by various government departments under the State of Haryana in order to promote transparency and accountability.
  • The act has empowered people to seek maximum advantage of services in a hassle free, transparent and time-bound manner through an effective service delivery mechanism.
  • The services delivered within the prescribed time limits and without any hassle will enhance credibility of the government functioning. This will also fulfill the maximum expectations of the people with regard to rendering of services by the Government.