Putting Punjab on the digital map, the State Government has initiated the establishment of an efficient time-bound service delivery system under Right To Services Act.
Punjab Right to Service Commission has engaged the services of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) that has created unique, personalised software to enable a cohesive and comprehensive Right to Service Information System for online access and monitoring.
PRTS Act-2011 has empowered people to seek services in a hassle-free, corruption free, transparent and time-bound manner through different service delivery mechanisms. “With the coming of the online monitoring system, an efficient and speedy redressal gateway has been created for the ease and convenience of the public and efficient action of the departments,” said Punjab Right to Service Commission Chief Commissioner SC Agrawal.
The Commissioner elucidated upon the benefits of having such a system in place. “It will provide an effective framework for time bound delivery of services being provided by various government departments in order to promote transparency and accountability,” he said.
He added that the state will be the first in getting such a system in place. “In fact, Punjab is the first state in the country to constitute the Punjab Right to Service Commission after implementing the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011,” he added.
“This system will be a testimony to the pioneering spirit of Punjab and the tireless efforts of the Government for development,” said Agrawal. He said that Online Monitoring System links various departments such as Health, Revenue,
Home, Housing and Urban Development and will provide access and linkage to other districts. “The pilot project is taking flight in SAS Nagar (Mohali), the city will be hosting the first run for the software.
The system is expected to have a pan-Punjab implementation at the earliest, staff for the maintenance and smooth functioning of the system is being given technical training for the same,” he added. “Since the inception of the Punjab Right To Service Commission under the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011, the constituted Government body has addressed over three crore applications from the state out of which 1.06 crore applications have been settled out this year alone,” he said.
Agrawal said that till date, the first, second appellate and revision authorities have received a total 1,214 complaints out 1,169 were sorted out while 45 were under progress. In suo motu notice cases, 266 cases have been redressed and penalty has been imposed on 44 officers/officials in 18 cases.
Giving further details, Agrawal said that a total 6,334 issues, including birth-death certificates, driving licence, residential certificates, demarcation of lands, arm licence, ration card, building plans, water and sewerage connection etc, lying pending between general public and various Government authorities from different districts of the State have also been resolved with the active intervention of the Commission.
With the expansion of economy, there has been awareness all around and public at large felt that though they are entitled to services under various enactments, yet there was no time limit fixed for delivery of the services.