Administration still unsure on RTS Act, seeks clarifications

Fri Sep 02 2011, 02:51 hrsLudhiana:

Despite the deputy commissioner’s claim that the Right to Service Act had been implemented in all government departments on August 29, the administration is still waiting for a few clarifications without which, the act cannot function.

The first important clarification is if a service is sought, does it automatically fall under the RTS or does the person applying have to specifically mention that the service is being sought under the Act. “Unless, this clarification is not answered, we cannot determine as to whether each and every service is under this act or only services along with RTS application will come under this net,” DC Rahul Tiwari said.

He further said: “Many employees have additional charges as well. So time frame of those employees has also been sought because they cannot deliver services within the stipulated time at both locations. I have officers who are look after Ludhiana and Payal as well. The Machiwara tehsildar also has a wide area under him and many other officers have additional charges. So we are waiting for this important clarification from the government”.

It has been indicated to the department, however, that clarifications if any will come only after the code of conduct for the SGPC polls is lifted, so the RTS implementation is more or less of little use till then. Moreover as of now most people are not even aware of the act. “As of now the focus is more on ensuring awareness within staff and even among the masses so that every one can make the best use of it”, DC Tiwari said.