Author name: Rinku Tai

The Government is also responsible for constituting the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Services under Section 13(1) by notification in the Official Gazette, appointing the Chief Commissioner and Commissioners through a high-level committee, and providing necessary staff, infrastructure, and administrative support for the Commission’s functioning.

While the First Appellate Authority can face penalties under Section 10(2) for repeated failures or protecting erring officers, the focus remains on the Designated Officer as the frontline provider. The Act’s framework ensures that defaults lead to financial, disciplinary, and administrative consequences, ultimately strengthening citizen rights to timely services without granting blanket immunity to officials.

As per Section 11 of the MRPS Act, 2015, the Designated Officer or First Appellate Authority, as the case may be, is required to pay the imposed penalty amount within 30 days from the date of receiving the communication or order directing payment. If the penalty remains unpaid within this period, the Competent Authority, typically the head of the department or designated superior officer, is empowered to recover the amount directly from the salary of the concerned officer.

This right is enforceable through penalties on erring officers, disciplinary actions, and oversight by the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Service. It overrides conflicting provisions in other laws to ensure effective implementation. Ultimately, this empowers citizens with a statutory entitlement to timely, accountable, and transparent government services.