The Odisha government has decided to implement an auto appeal system under the Odisha Right to Public Services Act (ORTPSA) by the end of May, aiming to tighten accountability and ensure time-bound delivery of public services. The system received Cabinet approval recently and is designed to automatically escalate cases where services are not provided within the stipulated timeframe, thereby plugging delays in grievance redressal.
Review Meeting and Implementation Plan
The decision was announced at a review meeting of ORTPSA nodal officers from 32 departments, held in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by Suresh Kumar Vasisth, special secretary of the General Administration and Public Grievance Department. During the session, a detailed presentation on the technical architecture and current status of ORTPSA implementation was made.
How the Auto Appeal System Works
Under the proposed mechanism, if a designated officer fails to provide a notified service within the prescribed timeline, the case will automatically move to the higher appellate authority. This eliminates the need for citizens to file a separate appeal, ensuring that applicants do not wait indefinitely for services they are legally entitled to. Vasisth stated, "This system marks a new stage of accountability in public administration," and urged all departments to prepare for the rollout.
Digital Integration and Real-Time Tracking
The auto appeal system will be digitally integrated with departmental databases, officials said. Additionally, the platform will enable real-time tracking of file movement across departments, allowing senior officers to monitor pendency and response times more closely. This is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
Benefits for Citizens
Debabrata Mallick, additional secretary of the department, highlighted that while ORTPSA has already brought uniformity and timelines to several government services, the auto appeal provision will act as a critical safeguard for citizens' rights. Apart from speeding up grievance redressal, the system is expected to reduce physical visits to government offices, as citizens will no longer need to make repeated follow-ups or manually file appeals.
Conclusion
The auto appeal system represents a significant step forward in public administration in Odisha, leveraging technology to ensure accountability and timely service delivery. With the rollout scheduled for May-end, the state government aims to set a new standard for citizen-centric governance.
