HC issues notice to J&K admin on PIL over effective implementation of PSGA

Srinagar, Feb 23: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh Monday issued notice to the Jammu and Kashmir administration on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking intervention for effective implementation of the Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA), 2011 and Rules under it.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal sought the response to the PIL after hearing through his counsel the petitioner, Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, a doctor by profession and an environmentalist.

The PIL alleges non-compliance of the act by various government departments saying despite repeated government circulars mandating compliance, the departments including Home, Revenue and Transport have failed to maintain records of inspections, awareness programmes and penalties under the act.

The PIL underscores that RTI replies indicated that even the General Administration Department has conceded that no records related to expenditure on training, awareness programmes and mandatory inspections are available.

The Public Service Management Cell, constituted in 2012, has not performed its mandatory functions under Rule 17 of the PSGA Rules, according to the PIL.

The PIL seeks courtís intervention for implementing the act, seeking appropriate directions in this regard.

The Deputy Advocate General on behalf of the government accepted notice and sought time to seek instructions and file a response by March 4.