Maharashtra Right to Public Service Act, 2015
In year 2015, Maharashtra State Government enacted Act no. 31 called as Maharashtra Right to Public Service Act, 2015 (“MRPS Act”). This law came into force on 28th April, 2015 in the form of Government Ordinance and then became an enactment after getting ascent from Governor of Maharashtra on Dt. 21.08.2015 when it was first published in the Official Gazette of the State. Let us discuss about this Act in detail.
Purpose
- To ensure transparent, efficient, and timely delivery of public services to eligible persons in Maharashtra.
- To promote accountability among public authorities and reduce delays in service provision.
- To replace the earlier ordinance with a permanent legislative framework for improved implementation.
Significance
- Strengthens citizens’ rights by guaranteeing services within specified time frames, enhancing governance.
- Helps curb corruption and inefficiency through penalties, appeals, and oversight mechanisms.
- Encourages e-governance and technology adoption for quicker, more accessible service delivery.
- Provides structured grievance redressal via appeals and a dedicated commission.
Characteristics
- Notification of Services: Public authorities must notify services, officers, appellate bodies, and time limits within three months.
- Time-Bound Services: Delivery within stipulated periods, with extensions in emergencies; applications tracked via unique numbers.
- Appeals System: First and second appeals for delays or rejections, with timelines of 30-45 days which may be extendable.
- Penalties: Fines of ₹500-₹5,000 on erring officers; disciplinary actions for repeat offenses; recoverable from salary.
- State Commission: Monitors implementation, conducts inspections, and suggests improvements; led by a Chief Commissioner.
- Grievance Redressal: Final appeals to the commission within 60 days; annual reporting to the government.
- Scope and Overrides: Applies to all public authorities; supersedes conflicting laws; includes provisions for training, incentives, and funding.
Eligible person having Right to Public Service under MRPS Act
Under the MRPS Act, an eligible person is defined in Section 2(g) as a person who is eligible for obtaining a public service and also includes a legal person, such as a company, firm, or other entity recognized under law. This entitlement grants every such eligible person the right to receive notified public services from designated officers of public authorities in a transparent, efficient, and time-bound manner, subject to legal, technical, and financial feasibility, as outlined in Section 4(1). The Act does not restrict this right solely to citizens of Maharashtra or Indian citizens in general; instead, eligibility is determined by the specific requirements or criteria attached to each notified public service, e.g. residency, age, income, or other conditions prescribed in relevant laws, rules, or notifications governing that service, etc. As a result, the scope is broad and open to any individual or legal entity who meets the qualifying conditions for a particular service, and it explicitly extends even to foreign citizens if they qualify as eligible for the service in question. This approach ensures that the Act focuses on guaranteeing timely delivery and accountability for services like certificates, licenses, approvals, or benefits provided by government departments, local bodies, and other public authorities, without imposing blanket citizenship or residency barriers beyond what the underlying service rules demand. In practice, this empowers applicants, including non-residents where applicable, to apply, receive acknowledgment with a unique tracking number, and seek remedies through appeals if services are delayed, rejected without valid grounds, or not provided within the stipulated time limits.
Public Authority
Under the Section 2(l) of MRPS Act, a Public Authority includes any department or authority of the Government, as well as organizations, bodies, corporations, institutions, or local authorities established or constituted by the Constitution, State Legislature, or government notification. It further encompasses institutions, co-operative societies, government companies, or authorities owned, controlled, or financed by the State Government, and even non-governmental organizations receiving financial assistance from the State. This broad definition ensures that a wide range of government and government-linked entities are covered under the Act’s accountability framework. Public Authorities are required to notify specific public services, designate officers, appoint appellate authorities, and set time limits for service delivery. They must display these details publicly and implement mechanisms for timely provision, monitoring, and grievance redressal.
Public Service
As per Section 2(m) and Section 3 of the MRPS Act, public services refer to those specific services that a Public Authority notifies under Section 3, including the designation of officers responsible for delivery, appellate authorities, and stipulated time limits. These services must be notified within three months of the Act’s commencement and updated periodically as needed. Public Authorities are obligated to display the list of notified services, time limits, and officer details on notice boards and websites for public access. The scope typically covers common citizen-centric services such as issuance of certificates, licenses, approvals, registrations, and other benefits or permissions provided by government departments or local bodies. This notification process enables citizens to know exactly which services are guaranteed under the Act with enforceable timelines. The provision emphasizes reducing delays and enhancing accessibility through structured, transparent delivery mechanisms.
Right to Public Service
Section 4 of the MRPS Act establishes the right to public service, granting every eligible person the right to obtain notified public services within the stipulated time limit, subject to legal, technical, and financial feasibility. The Designated Officer of the Public Authority is duty-bound to provide the service promptly, with provisions for time extensions only in cases like elections or natural calamities as prescribed by the State Government. Eligible persons receive a unique acknowledgment number for tracking applications, and any delay, improper rejection, or non-provision triggers appeal rights to First and Second Appellate Authorities, and ultimately to the State Commission. 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.
References:
1. The Maharashtra Right To Public Service Act, 2015
2. The Maharashtra Right To Public Service Rules, 2015
3. “Standard Operating Procedure for issue of licenses/permits, payment of dues under Ease of Doing Business initiative” Government of Maharashtra Urban Development Department. Government Resolution No:- Sankeerna-2019/Pra. Kra. 180/Navi-20 Mantralaya, Mumbai – 400 032 Date: 14 August, 2019.
4. “Maharashtra Right to Public Services Act, 2015”, Public Works Department, available at: https://pwd.maharashtra.gov.in/rts/, Last Visited on 13.2.2026.
5. “Recovery / waiver of the wrongful / excess payments made to Government servants.” Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Department of Personnel & Training
6. “Frequently Asked Questions On Maharashtra Right Tо Public Services Act, 2015 And Maharashtra Right To Public Services Rules, 2016”, Compiled By: Shri. Annasaheb D. Chavan.
7. “Right to Public Services Act, 2015”, Shivraj Borade, available at: https://shivrajborade.wordpress.com/2022/08/29/right-to-public-services-act2015/, Last Visited on 13.2.2026.
8. “Right To Service” Directorate of Municipal Administration, available at: https://mahadma.maharashtra.gov.in/en/rts, Last Visited on 13.2.2026.
9. “RTS Act-2015, By Manu Kumar Srivastava , IAS (Retd.) (Chief Commissioner for Right to Service)” Mahaseva News Channel on YouTube, available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRg1DO9N90g, Last Visited on 13.2.2026.
10. “A Difficult Law to Implement: The Right to Public Services Act, 2015”, Shailesh Gandhi, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 50, No. 43 (OCTOBER 24, 2015)
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15. “The Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Public Services: First Annual Report: 2017-18” Office of State Chief Commissioner for Right to Public Service.
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17. “Maharashtra Drags Its Feet on the Right to Services Act while Karnataka Surges Ahead” Vinita Deshmukh, Moneylife, Dt. 10.11.2021, available at: https://www.moneylife.in/article/maharashtra-drags-its-feet-on-the-right-to-services-act-while-karnataka-surges-ahead/65566.html, Last Visited on 13.2.2026.
18. “Fifteen Suggested Legal Reforms for Maharashtra: Briefing Book for 2021” Vidhi Maharashtra, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy.
19. “10 years after RTS Act, 43% of Maha govt services missing from digital portal” Nisha Nambar, Times of India, Dt. 26.4.2025, available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/10-years-after-rts-act-43-of-maha-govt-services-missing-from-digital-portal/articleshow/120629084.cms, Last Visited on 13.2.2026.
20. “Is the proposed Maharashtra Guarantee of Public Services Bill toothless?” Vinita Deshmukh, Moneylie, Dt. 16.2.2015, available at: https://www.moneylife.in/article/is-the-proposed-maharashtra-guarantee-of-public-services-bill-toothless/40496.html, Last Visited on 13.2.2026.
21. ‘Maharashtra Right to Services Bill vague, ineffective’, Omar Rashid, The Hindu, Dt. 11.2.2015, available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/maharashtra-right-to-services-bill-vague-ineffective/article6883185.ece, Last Visited on 13.2.2026.
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