Maharashtra: Lack Of Integration Of 300 Services Is A Setback For Right To Service Act
Maharashtra: Lack Of Integration Of 300 Services Is A Setback For Right To Service Act
17 August 2024
Services that have been notified but are not linked to the one-stop Aaple Sarkar portal have hindered the oversight of departments that provide services to citizens under the Right to Services Act. While numerous states have over 1,000 services recognized under this act, Maharashtra’s Right to Public Services Act (RTS), 2015, covers 770 recognized services. Out of these, only 470 are connected to the Aaple Sarkar portal, leaving 300 services still to be integrated.
On Independence Day, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a pilot program for doorstep services under the Right to Services Act in Kolhapur, which will be expanded to all districts. In addition to the doorstep services, he introduced a chatbot, a dedicated Aaple Sarkar service center, and a QR code for lodging grievances. Citizens have frequently complained that services from various departments, such as urban development, fisheries, and land records, are significantly impacted because their websites are not integrated with the Aaple Sarkar portal. “Unless all services are linked to a common portal and there is consistent monitoring of service delivery timelines, this initiative will be pointless,” stated citizen activist Salome Wagh.
Regarding the lack of integration of services, an officer mentioned that there are some software and technical challenges, but efforts to resolve these issues have been expedited. Former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi noted, “The RTS Act is not as robustly drafted as the Right to Information Act. In fact, the Regulation of Transfers and Prevention of Delay in Discharge of Official Duties Act holds more power than the RTS Act.” He further stated that if services are not integrated into the portal, it is unlikely that they will be delivered to people’s homes. “While a pilot for doorstep services may begin in Kolhapur, implementing it in metropolitan areas is practically unfeasible,” he added.
