Government to give more powers to lower-level officials to speed up file clearance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government plans to give lower-level officials more power to speed up the disposal of files related to public grievances and prevent them from getting stuck on multiple desks. This will help officials settle similar cases at their level without having to forward every file to senior officers for approval.

The initiative will be implemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) as part of the 'Janasparsham-Keralam' file clearance drive, which will continue until December 31. AI will be used to identify repetitive administrative procedures and conflicting rules and regulations that delay decision-making.

A large number of pending files require administrative approval from department heads. The drive will identify files that have remained undecided for a long time and ensure their time-bound disposal. The objective is to move beyond merely clearing files towards resolving public grievances and preventing the accumulation of pending files, according to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.

Time limits will be fixed for taking decisions on files, with clear responsibility assigned to officials for each subsequent action and disposal. Repeated queries and delays in consultations between departments will also be avoided.

The performance of departments will not be assessed solely on the number of files cleared. The quality of decisions, timely action and effectiveness of the outcomes will also be evaluated.

Ensuring justice for the public

• The initiative will identify the reasons why officials fail to dispose of files and bring them to the government's attention.
• Outdated rules, procedures and restrictions will be revised to ensure justice for the public.
• An online system will be developed in association with C-DIT to monitor file movement and enforce strict timelines.
• A permanent committee will be formed to examine files that remain pending due to the failure of department heads to submit their opinions.

Priority for development-related files

1. Priority will be given to files related to development projects, recommendations for fund allocation and departmental purchases.
2. Files involving cases before courts and commissions can be disposed of, with provisions to reopen them based on court or commission orders.
3. Files related to the Legislative Assembly must be forwarded to department heads. Matters such as travel permissions and review reports can be settled at the sub-office level.

Pending e-files

As many as 2.76 lakh e-files are currently pending.