PATNA: Bihar is poised to blaze a new trail in the country when it implements the Right to Service Act by Independence Day this year.
The act was passed by the state legislature in February-March this year and has received the governor’s assent. Besides, the government has already notified the relevant rules for implementation of the act.
Under this act, government officials will be bound to provide 20-odd services to the public within a set time frame, failing which they will be liable to be fined. There is provision for appellate and review authorities who will look into complaints of non-delivery of services and impose fine on the officials concerned.
Hailed as a landmark move by the Nitish government, this act is expected to cut down red tape and harassment of aam admi (common man) in government offices.
The services under the ambit of the act include issue of caste, domicile and income certificates, driving licences and vehicle registration, police verification of passport applications, issue of new ration cards and social security pensions. Applications for these services will have to be disposed of in 21 to 60 days, depending on the service.
Government officials said that Bihar Prashasnik Sudhar Mission has been entrusted the task of launching an awareness drive so that people are able to benefit from the act. The awareness campaign is likely to be launched in mid-June and will cover mediums like newspapers, TV channels, radio, and distribution of leaflets and pamphlets.