RTS_Rules_Gazette

Gazette Reference: Extraordinary Gazette No. 295, Part 4-B, dated November 18, 2016 (Kartika 27, Shake 1938)

Type: Subordinate Legislation — Rule-Making Notification

Authority: Maharashtra Right to Public Services Act, 2015 (Mah. XXXI of 2015), Section 28(1)

Summary: The Maharashtra Government has notified the Maharashtra Right to Public Services Rules, 2016, operationalizing the Right to Public Services Act, 2015. These rules establish comprehensive procedural frameworks for citizens to access notified public services, appeal mechanisms, and accountability systems for designated officers. This is NOT a fee revision or amendment to existing fee structures — it is the foundational rulebook for implementing the RTS Act.

KEY PROVISIONS

Rule 3 — Information Display Requirements:

• Every Public Authority must display on notice boards and websites/portals:
  • List of notified public services
  • Stipulated time limits
  • Names of Designated Officers, First Appellate Authorities, Second Appellate Authorities
  • Applicable fees and forms
  • Required documents for each service
• Display must be in Marathi (and English where necessary), prominently placed for public visibility
• Chief Commissioner may take suo motu action against non-compliance

Rule 4 — Extension of Time Limits:

• Administrative departments may extend stipulated deadlines during:
  • Elections (local bodies, Vidhan Sabha, Parliament)
  • Natural calamities (earthquake, flood, fire)
• Requires General Administration Department concurrence

Rule 5 — Application Receipt Authorization:

• Designated Officers may authorize subordinates to receive applications and issue acknowledgements
• Authorized officer's name must be publicly displayed

Rule 6 — Acknowledgement (Form I):

• Mandatory receipt within one day of application submission
• Must specify:
  • Unique identification number (UID)
  • Missing documents (if any)
  • Stipulated time limit for service delivery
• If documents missing, time limit starts from date of complete submission

Rule 7 — Application Forms:

• Public Authorities must create forms in Marathi and English
• List of required documents must be embedded in the form
• Forms available at:
  • Designated Officer offices
  • SETU Suvidha Kendras, Maha E-Seva Kendras, Sangram Centres
  • Online portals (downloadable via mobile apps)
• Online applications accepted with electronic acknowledgement (via email/SMS)

Rule 8 — Fee Payment:

• Applicants pay notified fees directly or through electronic channels

Rule 9 — Rejection Intimation:

• If service denied, Designated Officer must inform applicant in writing within stipulated time limit
• Must include:
  • Reasons for rejection
  • Name, designation, and address of Appellate Authority
  • Time limit for filing appeal
• Online rejections sent via portal/mobile app

Rule 10 — Application Tracking:

• Public Authorities should create mechanisms for:
  • Monitoring application status using UID
  • Sending real-time updates via SMS/email

APPELLATE PROCEDURES

Rule 11 — Filing Appeals:

• First Appeal (Form II): Manual or online submission to First Appellate Authority
• Second Appeal (Form III): Manual or online submission to Second Appellate Authority

Rule 12 — Documents with Appeal:

• List of attached documents
• Self-attested copy of impugned order
• Supporting evidence relied upon

Rule 13 — Notice Service:

• Appeals notified via:
  • Hand delivery / registered post
  • Email / SMS / mobile apps
  • For government servants: through controlling officer

Rule 14 — Hearing Procedure:

• Minimum 7 clear days' notice for hearings
• Absence after due notice → appeal decided ex parte

Rule 15 — Appellate Authority Duties:

• Summon parties
• Scrutinize documents
• Hear both sides before deciding

Rule 16 — Appeal Orders:

• Written order mandatory
• Copy given to appellant, Designated Officer, and (in second appeals) First Appellate Authority

Rule 17 — Case Registers (Form IV):

• Designated Officers and Appellate Authorities maintain:
  • Application receipt dates
  • Acknowledgement dates
  • Disposal dates
  • Reasons for rejection (if applicable)
  • Fines imposed/collected (for appeals)

Rule 18 — Commission Appeals (Form V):

• Appeals against Second Appellate Authority orders filed to Maharashtra State Commission for RTS

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Rule 19 — Deputation Officers:

• Officers/employees deputed to Chief Commissioner/Commissioners from state departments, boards, or statutory bodies retain parent-cadre salaries and service conditions
• State Government service rules apply mutatis mutandis
• Tenure as specified by Government order

FORMS APPENDED

Effective Date: From date of publication (November 18, 2016)

Signatories: Dr. Bhagwan Sahai, Additional Chief Secretary (Administration, Recruitment & O&M), Maharashtra Government

Note: This gazette does NOT contain fee schedules or license tariffs — it establishes only procedural rules for RTS Act implementation. Fees for specific services remain as notified under respective sectoral laws/notifications.