Grievance Redressal
Grievance Redressal Mechanisms in Local Self-Government Institutions
1. Local Self-Government Ombudsman
The Local Self-Government Ombudsman is a higher judicial mechanism for filing complaints against elected representatives or officials of Local Self-Government Institutions regarding corruption, irregularities, abuse of power, dereliction of duty, etc. The Ombudsman is headed by a person holding the status of a High Court Judge.
2. Local Self-Government Tribunal
The Local Self-Government Tribunal is a judicial mechanism for filing appeals against decisions or orders issued by the Panchayat Committee or Secretary, including refusal of licences, cancellation of building permits, etc. The Tribunal is headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram.
3. Chief Minister’s Portal – CMO Portal
Delays or other difficulties related to Panchayat services can be brought directly to the attention of the Chief Minister through the CMO Portal. Officials are required to take appropriate action and resolve complaints within the prescribed time limit.
4. K-SMART Citizen Portal
K-SMART is the online single-window service system of the Local Self-Government Department. Citizens can submit complaints related to Panchayat services online without having to visit the Panchayat office directly. They can also track the status of their complaints online.
5. Vigilance Department
Complaints regarding demands for bribes, financial irregularities, misuse of government funds, and other forms of corruption in Panchayat offices can be submitted directly to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.