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A Difficult Law to Implement
To make public service delivery mechanism more accountable, transparent and responsive, the Government of Maharashtra enacted the Right to Public Services Act, 2015 in August this year. Given the state bureaucracy's reluctance to implement laws to improve governance in the past, especially its track record in enforcing the Transfers and Delays Act 21, 2006, it is unlikely that this act will empower the common man and make the administration more sensitive to her needs.
The Maharashtra Guarantee of Public Services Act, 2015 was enacted by the Maharashtra Government in August 2015, replacing the ordinance which it had passed on the public services bill earlier this year in April. Popularly known as the “Right to Public Services (RTS) Act,” the legislation has raised great hopes amongst citizens that they will now get services on time and without bribing officials. The government appears to believe that this act would be as powerful as the Right to Information (RTI) Act and will ensure good governance. In its statement of objects and reasons, the act states:
The three essential elements of good governance are transparency, accountability and responsiveness of the administration. To improve and strengthen the relationship between the people and the administration, the Government of Maharashtra considers it expedient to make a law to provide for delivery of efficient and timely public services so as to bring accountability, responsibility and transparency in the administration.
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