Grievance Redressal
Grievance Redressal Mechanisms in Local Self-Government Institutions
1. Local Self-Government Ombudsman
The Local Self-Government Ombudsman is a higher judicial mechanism for filing complaints regarding corruption, irregularities, abuse of power, and dereliction of duty by elected representatives or officials of local self-government institutions. The Ombudsman is headed by a person holding the status of a High Court Judge.
2. Local Self-Government Tribunal
The Local Self-Government Tribunal is a judicial mechanism for filing appeals against decisions and orders issued by the Panchayat governing body or Secretary, including the rejection of licences, cancellation of building permits, and other related matters. Its headquarters is located in Thiruvananthapuram.
3. Chief Minister's Portal – CMO Portal
Citizens can bring delays or other difficulties related to Panchayat services directly to the attention of the Chief Minister through the CMO Portal. Officials are required to take appropriate action and resolve complaints within the prescribed time limit.
4. K-SMART Citizen Portal
K-SMART Citizen Portal is the online single-window service platform of the Local Self-Government Department. Citizens can submit complaints and requests related to Panchayat services online without visiting the Panchayat office in person. The status of applications and complaints can also be tracked online.
5. Vigilance Department
Citizens can directly file complaints with the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) regarding demands for bribes, financial irregularities, misuse of government funds, and other forms of corruption that may occur in Panchayat offices.