Guwahati (Assam) [India], December 1 (HBTV): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has inaugurated the Assam State Commission for Right to Public Services, marking a significant step toward ensuring greater accountability in public service delivery.
At an event held in Guwahati, the Chief Minister also launched a comprehensive manual detailing the public service appeal process and the official website of the Commission.
Highlighting the transformative role of technology in advancing governance, Sarma emphasized that good governance requires citizens to be fully aware of their rights. He reiterated the government's commitment to delivering public services efficiently and on time.
Reflecting on the origins of the Right to Public Service Act, Sarma noted that Madhya Pradesh pioneered the initiative in 2010. Assam followed by enacting its own legislation in 2012, with key amendments introduced in 2019 and 2024.
Through the Seva Setu platform, the Assam government has recognized 725 subjects as citizen rights, covering 64 government departments and three autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule. The portal also outlines specific timelines for service delivery, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
'Since the launch of the Seva Setu platform, over 1.56 crore applications have been received, with more than 90% successfully resolved. The Right to Public Service Act is enforced across 34 states in India, protecting citizens' rights and complementing the Right to Information (RTI) Act,' the Chief Minister said.
Sarma highlighted that the establishment of the State Commission for the Right to Public Services last year underscores the government’s commitment to making public service rights meaningful and accessible.
The Chief Minister announced the appointment of retired IPS officer Sujoy Lal Thaosen as the Chief Commissioner of the Commission, with Ranjan Kumar Chakraborty and Bimal C. Oswal as members. He urged officials and civil servants to actively implement these reforms and called for heightened public awareness about the rights available through the Commission.
(ANI)