Eruvessy
Grama Panchayat

The Panchayat Level Grievance Redressal Committee is a committee constituted to receive, examine and resolve grievances of the people relating to administration and services in the Grama Panchayat. Its main objective is to ensure speedy and transparent redressal of public grievances. Members of the public can submit their grievances either online or directly.

Structure of the Committee

Members

• Vice President
• Standing Committee Chairpersons
• Panchayat Secretary
• Concerned officers
• Executive officer capable of providing expert advice related to the subject matter of the complaint
• Member of the ward concerned with the complaint

Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is a state-level quasi-judicial institution established to hear and redress complaints relating to corruption, maladministration and irregularities in Local Self-Government Institutions and against their elected representatives and officials.

A person who has retired as a High Court Judge is appointed as the Ombudsman by the Governor. The procedures are different from and simpler than those followed by other courts. The Ombudsman provides a relatively low-cost mechanism for the public to seek redressal of grievances.

Major Powers and Duties of the Ombudsman

Matters Outside the Jurisdiction of the Ombudsman

• Matters in which the Government has formally and publicly ordered an investigation.
• Matters for which remedy has to be sought before the Tribunal for Local Self-Government Institutions.
• Matters pending before a court under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952.
• A complaint filed after three years from the date on which the alleged incident occurred. However, a complaint may be accepted if there is sufficient reason for the delay in filing it.

Tribunal

The Tribunal is the judicial mechanism for filing appeals/revision petitions against decisions of Local Self-Government Institutions. The Tribunal is headed by a judicial officer holding the rank of a District Judge. The Government appoints the Tribunal in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court.

The Tribunal has the power to examine disputes between Local Self-Government Institutions and disputes between Local Self-Government Institutions and the Government, and to give its opinion to the Government.

Powers of the Tribunal

• While trying a case, exercise the powers vested in a Civil Court under the Civil Procedure Code, 1908.
• Any proceeding before the Tribunal shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding under the Indian Penal Code.
• Issue an interim order staying proceedings on an application made by the petitioner.
• Issue necessary directions to Local Self-Government Institutions.

Points to Note While Filing a Petition Before the Tribunal

• Each certified copy of the petition and relevant documents, along with a bank draft of Rs. 50 drawn in favour of the Tribunal, should be submitted. Additional copies corresponding to the number of respondents should also be provided.
• An appeal should ordinarily be filed within 30 days. However, if there is sufficient cause, an appeal/revision may be filed within one month after the expiry of the prescribed period.
• In cases where an appeal filed before a Local Self-Government Institution has not been disposed of within 60 days, a revision/appeal may be filed before the Tribunal within 90 days. If sufficient reasons exist, an appeal/revision may also be filed within one month after the expiry of this period.

Other Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

Chief Minister's Grievance Redressal Cell

An IT-based public grievance redressal cell functions under the Office of the Chief Minister of Kerala. Complaints relating to various offices of the State Government and Local Governments are received through this cell and necessary action is taken.

C.M. With Me

C.M. With Me is a programme designed to facilitate direct interaction between the public and the Government. Members of the public can call the toll-free number to register their complaints. Officials hear the complaint and, after responding to the caller, forward it to the department concerned.

The comprehensive Citizen Connect Centre, known as “Chief Minister With Me” or “C.M. With Me”, has been established to ensure active public participation in governance and strengthen communication between the Government and the people. The objective of the centre is not limited to receiving complaints; it also aims to incorporate the views and feedback of the public.

Public Service • Transparency • Grievance Redressal