Kanichar
Grama Panchayat

1. Panchayat-Level Grievance Redressal Committee

The Panchayat-Level Grievance Redressal Committee is formed to receive, examine, and resolve administrative or service-related complaints faced by the residents of a Grama Panchayat. Its main objective is to provide swift, transparent justice to the public. Complaints can be submitted either online or directly in person.

Committee Structure

• Chairperson: Panchayat President

• Members:

  • Vice President

  • Standing Committee Chairpersons

  • Panchayat Secretary

  • Concerned Departmental Officials

  • An Implementing Officer capable of providing expert advice on the specific subject matter of the complaint

  • The Ward Member representing the area related to the complaint

2. Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is a state-level quasi-judicial institution established to hear and resolve complaints regarding corruption, maladministration, and irregularities among Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGIs), their elected representatives, and officials. A retired High Court Judge is appointed as the Ombudsman by the Governor. The procedures are simple and distinct from regular courts, making it a highly cost-effective mechanism for public grievance redressal.

Key Powers and Duties of the Ombudsman

Powers:

• Investigate allegations and pass appropriate orders.

• Issue interim orders restraining the Local Self-Government Institution from taking specific actions.

• Impose compensation and penalties.

• Exercise powers vested in a Civil Court for trying a case under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

• Requisition the services of any government official, including police officers.

Duties:

• Resolve public grievances effectively.

• Ensure clean administration within Local Self-Government Institutions.

• Conduct detailed inquiries into complaints brought forward by the public, referred by the government, or taken up suo motu (by own knowledge).

Matters Outside the Ombudsman's Purview

• Matters where the government has already formally and publicly ordered an inquiry.

• Issues that fall under the jurisdiction of the Local Self-Government Institutions Tribunal.

• Matters currently pending before a court under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

• Complaints filed more than 3 years after the date of the alleged incident (however, if there is a valid reason for the delay, the complaint may be accepted).

3. Tribunal

The Tribunal is a judicial mechanism for filing appeals/revision petitions against the decisions of Local Self-Government Institutions. The Tribunal is presided over by a judge holding the rank of a District Judge, appointed by the government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court. The Tribunal also has the authority to examine disputes between different local bodies, as well as between local bodies and the government, and report its opinions to the government.

Powers:

• Vested with the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, while trying a case.

• Any proceeding before the Tribunal shall be deemed a judicial proceeding under the Indian Penal Code.

• Can issue interim stay orders on actions based on the applicant's petition.

• Authority to give necessary directions to Local Self-Government Institutions.

Points to Note While Filing a Petition with the Tribunal:

• A certified copy of the petition and related documents must be submitted along with a Bank Draft of ₹50 drawn in favor of the Tribunal. Additional copies must be provided corresponding to the number of opposite parties involved.

• Appeals must normally be filed within 30 days. However, if there is a sufficient reason, it can be extended up to one additional month.

• For matters not resolved within 60 days of filing an appeal with the local body, a revision/appeal can be submitted to the Tribunal within 90 days. If sufficient cause is shown, it may be filed within one month after this timeframe.

4. Other Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

Chief Minister’s Public Grievance Redressal Cell

An IT-enabled public grievance redressal cell operates centered around the State Chief Minister's Office. This cell receives and processes complaints related to various departments of the state government as well as local bodies. Complaints can be registered via the portal cmo.kerala.gov.in or through the toll-free number 1076. If justice is denied at the Panchayat level, citizens can approach the CMO portal; the complaint will then be routed back to the respective Panchayat for urgent action.

CM With Me (Citizen Connect Centre)

"CM With Me" is a comprehensive citizen connect initiative designed to ensure active public participation in governance and strengthen communication between the government and the people. Members of the public can call the toll-free number to voice grievances. Officials listen to the complaint, provide an initial response, and route it to the respective department for further action. Beyond just registering complaints, the center also aims to gather valuable feedback and opinions from citizens.

State Helpline & Grievance Contact Numbers