Kerala to introduce "Citizens' Charter" at Treasuries

Kochi, Jan 13 (UNI) The country's first ''Citizens' Charter'' and ''Social Audit'' for treasuries would be implemented in Kerala from January 15, State Finance Minister T M Thomas Issac said today.

Addressing a press conference here, after a meeting with senior officials of the treasury departments of all districts, Dr Issac said this was for the first time a ''Citizens' Charter'', promising time-bound services, was being announced for a regulatory department.

Normally, such charters were issued for public service-oriented departments.

The charter would be publicised in 202 treasury offices from January 15, 2008.

From February 15 onwards, any complaint regarding the treasury services could be made by e-mail or through drop boxes, to be provided for the purpose. All complaints would be redressed by May 15.

A committee, comprising seven state ministers, two MPs, 62 MLAs, five mayors, 31 municipal chairpersons and 222 block panchayat presidents, besides the Deputy Speaker and senior officers, would be set up to supervise the social audit process, he said.

Efforts would also be made to improve the working conditions of officials at the treasury offices, Dr Issac added.

To make treasury deposits attractive to the common people, the Minister announced that the interest rate for over three-year deposit was being increased to ten per cent from nine per cent.

For senior citizens, it would be 10.5 per cent, he added.

UNI ARC AE KN1834