Grievance Redressal Mechanism
💻 K-SMART Online Portal
K-SMART is a unified system that integrates online services provided by Local Self Government Institutions. The public can submit complaints and objections through this online system.
🏛️ Ombudsman for Local Self Government Institutions
The Ombudsman for Local Self Government Institutions is responsible for investigating complaints regarding corruption, maladministration and irregularities that may occur while performing administrative duties by the President and other members of the governing body of Local Self Government Institutions, as well as officers appointed directly or indirectly to such institutions and transferred officers, and for taking necessary action in accordance with law.
📌 How to Submit a Complaint: Any person may submit a complaint directly to the Ombudsman Secretary without the assistance of an intermediary, either in person or through registered/ordinary post. A complaint written on plain paper must be accompanied by a duly filled Form A, affixed with a Rs.10 court-fee stamp, along with copies of the complaint equal to the number of opposite parties plus two additional copies.
⚖️ Tribunal for Local Self Government Institutions
The Tribunal constituted for Local Self Government Institutions is responsible for considering and disposing of appeals and revisions against decisions of Local Self Government Institutions. A judicial officer holding the rank of District Judge is appointed as the Tribunal.
⏱️ Time Limit and Fees:
- The appeal must be filed in Form C within 30 days from the date of the decision. With permission, a delay of up to one month may be allowed.
- In cases where no decision has been taken, the petition may be filed after 60 days and within 90 days.
- A fee of Rs.50 must be paid along with the petition, either at the office or through a Demand Draft encashable at Thiruvananthapuram.
- A Rs.100 Legal Benefit Fund Stamp must also be affixed to the petition.
Secretary, Tribunal for Local Self Government Institutions, Sreemoolam Buildings, Court Complex, Vanchiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram.
🖥️ Chief Minister's Public Grievance Redressal System
The Kerala Chief Minister's Office (CMO) Portal is a public grievance redressal system. The website provides options for submitting complaints, checking their status and identifying charge officers. Dashboards for state services and reports related to the Distress Relief Fund are also available.
📞 Grievance Redressal System of the Minister for Local Self Government and Excise Departments
Complaints can be submitted directly to the Minister through the online grievance redressal portal connecting various levels of offices under the Local Self Government and Excise Departments. Every movement of the complaint will be communicated to the complainant in real time through SMS.
📞 Public Grievance Cell (LSGD)
Complaints can be submitted through the Public Grievance Cell under the Local Self Government Department. Special WhatsApp numbers have been provided for promptly reporting complaints relating to delays in services, corruption and waste management.
🔎 Vigilance Wing (LSGD Vigilance)
The LSGD Vigilance Wing functioning in association with the Secretariat examines public objections and complaints regarding unauthorised/illegal building constructions across the State, irregularities in related files and other connected matters, and takes strong action as required.
🔎 Public Assistance Portal
As part of the State Government's 100-Day Action Programme, it was decided to establish permanent Adalat committees at Sub-District, District and State levels to address issues arising from delays beyond the prescribed time limits for public services provided by Local Self Government Institutions and situations where applicants face difficulties in completing the services.
In the initial phase, permanent Adalat committees will consider complaints relating to services such as building permits, building numbers and licences. The Permanent Adalat Portal enables applicants who have submitted applications for services to Local Self Government Institutions and are facing delays or obstacles in receiving those services to submit complaints to the Adalat and facilitate further action on such complaints.
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