GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU

ABSTRACT

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly - Announcement of Her Excellency the Governor in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on 25.5.2001 - Provision of transparent, clean and efficient administration - Clearing of files within 90 days and adoption of file closing week - Orders - Issued.

PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS (A) DEPARTMENT

G.O.Ms.No.104.                                                                                                                                Dated : 15.6.2001.

ORDER :

            Her Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu in her speech in the floor of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on 25.5.2001, among others, made the following announcement :-

            "The Government pledges to adopt all means necessary to provide a transparent, clean and efficient administration in the State.  The concept of           "file closing week" will be implemented to ensure expeditious clearing of      files within 90 days.  E-governance will be employed to facilitate citizen-          government interface.".

            2.  Certain provisions are already in existence in the Secretariat Office Manual defining the duties and responsibilities of Assistant Section Officer / Section Officer / Under Secretary / Deputy Secretary / Joint Secretary relating to checking of delays and arrears (Both internal and external arrears).  Similar provisions for checking the delays and arrears are available in the Tamil Nadu Government Office Manual also.  As per the instructions contained in paragraph 306(1) of Secretariat Office Manual, the papers received should normally be submitted to officers within a period of five days from the date of their receipts.  But, specific period has not been prescribed for the closure of such papers.  However, in G.O.Ms.No.89, Personnel and Administrative Reforms (A) Department, dated 13.5.99, certain time has been prescribed for the disposal of petitions received in Government Office as indicated below :-

1. (a)               One week for giving acknowledgement to the petitioner.
2. (b)               30 days for giving final reply for which time has not been statutorily prescribed.
3. (c)               90 days for giving final reply in other cases.

            3.  Considering the development in the electronic communication system, the Government feels that it is necessary to prescribe certain procedures for making the Public aware of the transparent and speedy disposal of the petitions received in Government Offices. 

            4.  The Government accordingly, direct that each office having direct dealings with the Public should take speedy action to publish the rules and regulations on welfare schemes so as to enable the Public to be aware of those schemes.  They should also take immediate action on the grievances petitions received from the Public / Government Officials as detailed below :

1. (a)               The receipt of the petitions be acknowledged within a period of five days from the dates of their receipt.
2. (b)               The petition should be disposed of within a period of 90 (ninety) days at any cost.
3. (c)               'File closing weeks' be conducted on every Monday (or on the next working day if Monday is a holiday) just like Public Grievances Day observed by District Collectors.  The result of action taken on each petition should be intimated to the petitioner.
4. (d)               Secretaries to Government are requested to critically review the pending cases and issue suitable instructions to the authority concerned.
5. (e)               Necessary entries should also be made in the Computer Network their and there updating the action taken.

            5.  Necessary amendment to Secretariat Office Manual and Tamil Nadu Government Office Manual will be issued separately.

(BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR)

                                                                   P. SHANKAR,
                                                             CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT.

To

All Secretaries to Government, Departments of Secretariat, Chennai-9.
All Heads of Department including District Collectors, District Judges and
Chief Judicial Magistrates.
The Registrar, High Court, Chennai-104.
The Secretary, Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission, Chennai-2.
The Registrar, Tamil Nadu Administrative Tribunal, Chennai-6.

Copy to :

The Secretary to Governor, Chennai-22.
The Secretary to Chief Minister, Secretariat, Chennai-9.
All Officers and Sections in Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department, Chennai-9.
The Private Secretary to Chief Secretary, Chennai-9.
S.F./S.Cs..

| FORWARDED / BY  ORDER |

                                                                  (Sd.)
                                                                                                SECTION OFFICER.