For the first time in Rajasthan, the district administration has slapped a fine on its own officials, including a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), for delay in delivering things to a farmer in Bikaner district under the Rajasthan Public Services Guarantee Act (RPSGA).
Bikaner district magistrate and collector Prithvi slapped a fine of `1,000 each on SDM Pugal and three of his subordinates for causing delay in disposal of an application filed by a local resident B.N. Kukkad. The state government had introduced the RPSGA in November 2011 and asked the authorities to ensure its strict implementation. The act covers 108 services and 15 major departments to implement public services in a time-bound manner. In this case, the officers will also pay an additional amount of `200 each which will be paid to Mr Kukkad. The applicant approached the district collector and complained against the SDM and three of his subordinates saying his application was not disposed in the time-bound manner.