Panel tells state to make a master list of all services meant for citizens

In three months, citizens can expect an exhaustive list of all the services that public authorities provide to citizens. In a landmark order, the Right To Services commission (RTSC) has recommended the state government to prepare a “master list” and a “time table” indicating stages and time frame within which all services will be provided, which the commission expects to be ready in a month’s time. 

This would not, however, mean that citizens will be able to apply for all services under the Act in four months. They will have to wait longer for them to be notified and system be place for it to be online. 

As of now there are around 438 services that are notified and 399 online. Notified services can also be sought offline.  

The order was passed on January 9, 2018 by Swadheen Kshatriya, chief or RTSC on a complaint by Shailesh Gandhi, former Central Information Commissioner. Gandhi had complained that it cannot be legislative intent to allow public authorities in an arbitrary manner to decide which services to notify. Under the Maharashtra Right to Public Services Act, 2015, only notified services can be availed by eligible applicants. 

“The objective of the order was that all services come under ambit of law and there is a practical suggestion to the government (for its implementation),” said Kshatriya. He added, “I expect that the government will accept these. I have been asking public authorities a list of services they provide but they have not yet given to me. Three months is a sufficient time to provide that and put it in public domain. They have to give compliance in a month’s time so the time table bit is covered in that unless they seek more time,” said Kshatriya. 

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told DNA that the government will seriously work on the recommendations.