Centre Sets 15-Day Limit for Rural Job Scheme Complaints Under New Rules

The central government has introduced official rules to handle complaints under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act, setting a strict fifteen-day deadline to resolve any issues linked to the rural employment program. The Union Ministry of Rural Development released these guidelines on Monday, requiring state governments to set up a three-tier setup at the village, block, and district levels.

Complaint Process

Every tier will feature a specific officer to accept, record, look into, and clear complaints. People can submit their grievances in person, via speed post, through a digital platform, on phone helplines, or by other methods chosen by states. Authorities cannot reject any complaint because of its format, language, or minor rule mistakes. Staff must enter all physical complaints onto the official digital system either on the same day or by the next working day. Complainants will get a receipt showing a registration number, the date, and the name of the officer who took it. Officials must finish looking into a case within seven working days, while total resolution must happen inside fifteen days.

Escalation and Appeals

If officers fail to solve a complaint within fifteen days, the case automatically moves up to the next higher level. The district program coordinator will supervise this whole system and make sure digital tools track every pending case until it gets closed. Citizens can also file appeals against final orders following the guidelines laid out in the main employment act.

Context

Large welfare programs often need clear systems to handle public complaints so benefits reach the right people without delays. Setting fixed timelines and digital tracking helps hold local officials accountable for proper implementation.