by Suman Gupta
Mumbai, June , 2024: Mumbai First hosted a presentation and panel discussion on the Right to Public Services Act 2015, where the focus was laid on what the act is about, its objectives and nuances followed by a live demonstration of the application process. The event featured a distinguished panel comprising Shri Manu Kumar Srivastav, IAS (Rtd), Shri. Baldev Singh IAS (Rtd), and Shri. Dilip Shinde, IAS (Rtd) who provided invaluable insights and a live demonstration of the application process under the Act.
The highlight of the event was a live demonstration of the application process for services under the Right to Public Services Act 2015, led by Mr. Dilip Shinde, an experienced government official. The demonstration provided a step-by-step guide on how citizens can effectively use the online portal to request services, track their applications, and escalate issues in case of non-compliance. This practical session was particularly well-received by the attendees, who appreciated the clarity and simplicity of the process.
The event concluded with an interactive discussion session, where the audience had the opportunity to engage with the speakers. Questions ranged from specific procedural queries to broader discussions on the future improvements of public service delivery. The panellists addressed all queries with expertise, providing comprehensive answers and actionable advice.
The session was moderated by Mr Sanjay Ubale, Treasurer and Executive Board Member of Mumbai First.
The main objectives of RTS were discussed as follows:
Timely Delivery of Services: To ensure that citizens receive public services within a stipulated time frame. This helps to reduce delays and inefficiencies in the administration.
Transparency: To promote transparency in the delivery of public services. This includes making citizens aware of the specific services they are entitled to, the process for obtaining these services, and the time limits within which the services should be provided.
Accountability: To hold public officials accountable for providing the services within the designated time frame. This includes the provision for penalties or disciplinary actions against officials who fail to deliver services on time.
Reduction of Corruption: To reduce corruption in the provision of public services by minimizing the opportunities for public officials to demand bribes or engage in other corrupt practices.
Improvement in Governance: To enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the government machinery by streamlining processes and ensuring that public services are citizen-centric.
Citizen Empowerment: To empower citizens by providing them with legal rights to demand timely services, thus fostering a more participatory and responsive governance framework.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism: To establish a mechanism for the redressal of grievances where citizens can appeal or complain if services are not provided within the stipulated time.
Overall, the event was a resounding success, with participants expressing their satisfaction and eagerness to apply the knowledge gained. Mumbai First is proud to have facilitated such an informative and impactful session, reinforcing its commitment to empowering citizens through awareness and education.
About Mumbai First- Mumbai First is an initiative of the corporate world. With its unique model of public-private participation, it was set up by India’s industry leaders 25 years ago. The Tata’s, Mahindra’s, Reliance, Godrej, ICICI, Asian Paints, and HDFC are a few of the patrons of this organisation which has worked with the Union and State Governments, MCGM, MMRDA, etc. as a nonpartisan body able to engage civil society, professionals, and captains of industry. Mumbai First is to transform the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) into an integrated world-class urban conurbation centred around the city of Mumbai, with a vibrant economy and a globally comparable quality of life for its citizens.
