Citizen Charter
Citizen Charter
A Citizen Charter is an official document that provides information about the services offered to the public by a government office, Local Self-Government Institution, or public service institution. It clearly specifies the services available, procedures for obtaining the services, time limits, responsible officers, citizens' rights, and the grievance redressal mechanism.
Major Objectives of Citizen Charter
- To ensure Transparency in public services
- To provide services in a time-bound manner
- To create awareness among citizens about their rights
- To increase the Accountability of government offices
- To ensure quick redressal of complaints
Major Contents of a Citizen Charter
- Introduction/profile of the institution
- List of services available
- Documents required for each service
- Time limit for providing each service
- Details of responsible officers
- Service fees, if applicable
- Grievance redressal mechanisms
- Instructions to be followed by citizens
Examples of Services in a Grama Panchayat
- Issuance of Birth and Death Certificates
- Building Construction Permits
- Collection of Taxes
- Issuance of Licences
- Acceptance of applications for Social Welfare Schemes
- Other public services provided by the Panchayat