Himachal Pradesh TCP Implements Strict Timelines for Public Grievance Resolution
In a significant move to boost accountability and efficiency, the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP) of Himachal Pradesh has rolled out fresh directives aimed at ensuring time-bound redressal of public grievances related to town and village planning. A TCP spokesperson announced on Tuesday that the new system mandates a transparent and structured approach to handling complaints, with clear deadlines set at every stage of the process.
Key Deadlines for Complaint Handling and Appeals
Under the newly established guidelines, complaints must be heard within 15 working days and resolved within 30 working days. If a complaint remains unresolved after this period, it will be forwarded for further action within an additional five working days. For appeals, the process is equally rigorous: appeals will be registered within five working days, with hearings and reviews completed within 30 working days. A final decision on appeals must be issued within 60 working days from the date of registration, ensuring swift and decisive outcomes for aggrieved parties.
Multi-Level Grievance Redressal Authorities Established
The spokesperson detailed that grievance redressal authorities have been constituted at three levels: divisional, sub-divisional, and office levels. This hierarchical structure is designed to facilitate local resolution and reduce bureaucratic delays. Specifically:
- At the Divisional Town Planning Office, a Divisional Town Planning Grievance Redressal Authority has been set up. Complaints can be submitted directly to the Town and Country Planner, with appeals available to the State Town Planner if dissatisfaction persists.
- At the Sub-Divisional Town Planning Office, complaints are handled by the Assistant Town Planner, and appeals can be made to the Town and Country Planner.
- For districts lacking Divisional Town Planning Offices, specific arrangements are in place: residents of Chamba district can submit complaints to the Town and Country Planner in Dharamshala, Una district residents to Hamirpur, and Bilaspur district residents to Mandi.
- At the Town Planning Office level, complaints are filed with the Planning Officer, with escalation options to the Town and Country Planner if needed.
Enhanced Accessibility and Monitoring Mechanisms
To streamline the submission process, complainants have multiple avenues: they can use a dedicated portal on the TCP website or submit grievances in a prescribed format at the District Town Planner’s Office. This dual approach aims to improve accessibility for all citizens, regardless of digital proficiency.
Furthermore, to ensure effective oversight, a State Grievance Monitoring Committee will be constituted. This committee will regularly review the grievance redressal process and submit half-yearly reports to the government, promoting continuous improvement and accountability in the system.
Objective: A Transparent and Efficient Framework
The overarching goal of this initiative, as stated by the spokesperson, is to create a transparent and effective mechanism for resolving TCP-related complaints. By enforcing strict timelines and establishing clear authority structures, the department seeks to ensure timely disposal of grievances at the local level, thereby enhancing public trust in urban planning processes across Himachal Pradesh.
