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Public Grievance Redressal Cell and Vigilance Wing (LSGD)

 

 

Here is the English translation of the provided information about the grievance redressal mechanisms under the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) in Kerala.

Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

Major Public Relations Platforms under the Kerala Local Self Government Department

1. K-SMART

K-SMART (Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation) is a unified digital platform developed as part of the Government of Kerala's Smart Government initiative. It is designed to provide services in Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGIs) quickly and transparently. The public can submit their grievances and complaints through this online system. [Visit Website]

2. Jagratha Samithi (Vigilance Committee)

The Panchayat Jagratha Samithi is a system operating at the local self-government level to prevent atrocities against women and children and to protect their rights. They function as per the directives of the Kerala State Women's Commission. This committee is chaired by the Panchayat President.

📋 Structure of the Committee:

  • Chairperson: Grama Panchayat President
  • Convenor: ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) Supervisor
  • Members:
    • Welfare Standing Committee Chairperson
    • Women representatives of the Panchayat
    • Police Inspector or Sub-Inspector
    • Legal Expert (Advocate)
    • SC/ST Representative

🎯 Main Responsibilities:

  • Protection of Women: Prevent domestic violence, dowry harassment, and workplace harassment.
  • Child Welfare: Monitor and prevent child marriage, child labor, and atrocities against children.
  • Social Security: Fight against social evils such as drug abuse and alcoholism.
  • Dispute Resolution: Provide a platform for victims to voice their grievances and find solutions without going to court.

Complaints that cannot be resolved at the Panchayat level are forwarded to the District Jagratha Samithi (chaired by the District Panchayat President) or the State Women's Commission. Complainants can submit their grievances in writing either directly to the Panchayat Office or to the ICDS Supervisor. The privacy of the complainant will be fully protected.

3. Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is an independent authority formed to consider grievances and provide just solutions to the public regarding the functioning of Local Self-Government Institutions like Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats, District Panchayats, Municipalities, and Corporations. It helps ensure transparency and accountability, and controls corruption, abuse of power, and violations of the law.

How to Submit a Complaint: A complaint written on plain paper must be accompanied by a duly filled Form 'A' (affixed with a court fee stamp of ten rupees), and copies of the complaint (number of opposite parties + two). It can be submitted either in person or by post. No other fees are charged. Parties can appear directly without a lawyer.

Sitting Locations: Thiruvananthapuram Office, and district headquarters of Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Kannur. [Visit Website]

4. Tribunal for Local Self-Government Institutions

The responsibility of this Tribunal is to consider and dispose of appeals and revisions against the decisions of Local Self-Government Institutions. A judicial officer holding the rank of a District Judge is appointed as the Tribunal.

Time Limit & Fees:

  • The petition must be filed in Form-C within 30 days of the issuance of the order (a delay of up to 1 month may be condoned with permission).
  • In cases where no decision has been taken, the petition can be filed within 90 days.
  • A fee of ₹50 and a Legal Benefit Fund stamp worth ₹100 must be affixed to the petition.

5. Chief Minister’s Public Grievance Redressal System

This is an online system designed for citizens to bring their grievances and problems directly to the attention of the Government. Once complaints are received, they are forwarded to the concerned departments, and speedy solutions are found. Users can check the status of their complaints, find charge officers, and access information through dashboards. [Visit Website]

6. Public Grievance Redressal Cell and Vigilance Wing (LSGD)

The Local Self Government Department has set up dedicated WhatsApp numbers to report delays in services, corruption, and waste management issues.

  • Corruption and Service Delay: 8078066060
  • Malinya Muktha Nava Keralam (Waste-Free New Kerala) Complaints: 9446700800

LSGD Vigilance Wing: This wing monitors the projects and financial transactions in Panchayats, Municipalities, and Corporations. Functioning adjacent to the Secretariat, this wing investigates complaints regarding illegal/unauthorized building constructions and irregularities in files across the state.