Sir,
This refers to column titled Make PSGA workable by Dr Raja MuzzafarBhat (Daily Excelsior Jan 15th 2020). Public Services Guarantee Act or PSGA which is also called Right to Public Service in many states of the country is now an international law which has been implemented by many countries in west and south east Asia. More than 10 states in India have enacted this law after J&K took a lead in 2011. At national level this law is yet to be introduced inspite of the fact that a bill was introduced way back in 2011 in LokSabha also called Citizens Charter and Grievance Redressal Bill. Access to Public Service is now a basic right of citizens in J&K and if this is denied it is violation of the legal provisions of the law. I would appeal public spirited lawyers to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for implementation of PSGA in J&K.
In view of importance of PSGA , Union Government gave protection to this law and continues to be a law of the land (J&K) even after abrogation of Article 370. It is the duty of state machinery to make sure people are made aware about Public Services Guarantee Act (PSG Act 2011) and officers penalized as well for making delays in delivery of public service . Services like issuance of caste certificates , RBA certificates , water connection , power connection , character certificate and many more are not provided to citizens of J&K in time and Government officials take people for-granted. Lt. Governor C G Murmu must ensure implementation of this law and I would appeal him to call a meeting of senior Government officers to discuss and deliberate further on PSGA.
Sanjeev Kumar
TrikutaNagar, Jammu
Sir,
It is a great news that J&K Public Service Guarantee Act 2011 (PSGA) has not been repealed after abrogation of article 370. If PSGA has been given a legal protection by Central Government it itself an admission to the fact that there is a great importance of this law. Now if Government continues to take PSGA casually and not train its officials or no awareness is created among masses this means Government is not sincere at all to ensure Good Governance in J&K.
As the author has suggested that Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) be involved in a mass awareness campaign on PSGA, I fully endorse this as Govt cannot alone do all the work of its own. Let J&K IMPARD hire services of renowned trainers in J&K who can be entrusted the job of spreading awareness on PSGA and RTI laws.
In addition J&K needs to create a mass awareness on RTI Act 2005 as well so that people and Govt officials are made aware of the provisions of this central law. Our officials and citizens have earlier been familiar with JK RTI Ac 2009 which now no more exists as the same was abrogated automatically under J&K Re-organisation Act 2019. I appreciate Daily Excelsior for updating the readers about all this important developments through its columns and editorials.
Shahnawaz Mir
Bathindi Jammu
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