Kerala's pending files get a deadline: Government announces new drive

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Secretariat has 2.76 lakh e-files pending, while various departments have lakhs of files awaiting disposal. To clear the backlog within a stipulated timeframe, the government will conduct a file adalat named ‘Janasparsham’ from October 15 to December 31, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said at a press conference. The initiative aims to find lasting solutions to problems in file movement and decision-making. The Chief Minister reminded officials that every file is a life. The announcement came a day after the UDF government completed the first 100 days of its action plan. Priority will be given to files that have remained pending for years and those that require speedy disposal.

The adalat will be conducted at the departmental level, with coordinated action involving different departments. Meetings will be convened with ministers and department officials to facilitate the process. Departments will be provided with details of pending files, and issues will be resolved through communication and coordination between departments. The public will also be informed about the progress of file disposal. More than 2.43 lakh files were pending at the Secretariat towards the end of the previous government's tenure.

New system to prevent delays

1. Files will not be disposed of merely as a formality.

The authorities will examine the issues involved in each file, the reasons it has remained pending, the obstacles preventing its disposal and the measures needed to prevent delays in the future.

2. A new system will be introduced to prevent recurring delays.

After clearing the pending files, the government will introduce a new system to prevent delays in the disposal of files in the future. Steps will also be taken to address shortcomings in the existing system.

3. Changes will be made to the file movement process.

Multiple files concerning the same issue are being sent to different departments. Matters involving policy decisions will be settled at the under-secretary level, and changes will be made to the existing file movement procedures.