June 24, 2012

The State Government is resolved to fight against corrupt practices and is at the same time ensuring to provide services in a time bound manner. The implementation of the Himachal Pradesh Public Services Guarantee Act, 2011 reflects upon the State Government’s determination to serve common people.

This Act will ensure delivery of public services within stipulated time. The common people won't have to wait for the delivery of basic services whether it pertains to obtaining a ration card or revenue paper and a host of other public services. The Act also provides for penalizing the officers/officials including disciplinary action in case they fail to provide services in a time bound manner.

The provisions of the Act are being complied in letter and spirit. Issuance of Identity Card to Senior Citizen and persons with disabilities are being done within three days. Registration of birth, death and marriages and certificates are being issued within two days in urban areas.

Transparency, accountability and responsiveness in administration have been paid special attention while delivery of public services. The issuance of fitness certificate (post illness) by Health and Family Welfare Department is being done within a day. Likewise, Medical certificate for obtaining a driving license is being issued within two days and Service Entry Fitness certificate within three days.

Himachal Pradesh Public Services Guarantee Act is playing a pivotal role in ensuring efficiency in Departments dealing with public services. In rural areas, preparation of ration cards and registration of birth, death, marriage is being done within 24 hours. While the stipulated time for issuing ration cards and registration of birth, death, marriage is being done within two days in urban areas.

The Act also envisages that water connection be provided within a period of one month. Besides, in case of erratic supply of drinking water, timeframe of two days and in case of major breakdown period of three to seven days has been fixed to ensure regular drinking water supply to the people of the State.

The State Government is ensuring that benefits of development reaches common man. So as to ensure timely delivery of revenue services, availability of Patwaris has been made mandatory in their respective 'Patwar Circles' on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Supply of copies of revenue records, reports for issuance of various certificates, entry of mutation is being sought/ presented on Monday, Wednesday or Friday otherwise on next such day. Issuance of various certificates, Registration of deeds/documents Attestation of Affadavits/Power of Attorneys, is being done on same day if officer is present.

Under H.P. Fire Services Department, issuance of No Objection Certificate for fire safety would be done within 30 days. Under Forest Department, time limit for providing grazing permits, compensation to be paid for killing domestic animals by wildlife and for injuries inflicted/killing of human beings is within 24 hours. Under Town and Country Planning Department, certificate that land is not in Planning/Special area is being issued within 3 days.

A provision has also been made in the Act to safeguard the interests of entrepreneurs who are keen on setting up environment friendly industries or have already invested in the State. The Act provides for Acknowledgement of Entrepreneurship Memorandum Part-I and Issuance of Certificate of Approval (Registration) of lessee under minor mineral rules within six days, Acknowledgement of Entrepreneurship Memorandum Part-II within a period of 30 days and Essentiality certificate within 45 days.

The facility of artificial insemination of livestock is being provided within 2 hours at veterinary institutions and within 12 hours at the door steps of the livestock owner. Soil testing is being done within 60 days.

Himachal Pradesh has indeed emerged as role model in providing public services in a time bound manner and is ensuring transparency and accountability in the system.