The Delhi Cabinet approved the Delhi Right of Citizen to Time-Bound and Ease of Delivery of Service Bill, 2026, which aims to ensure timely delivery of notified public services and make government officials accountable for unnecessary delays. The Bill is yet to come into force and will require completion of the legislative process before implementation.
The proposed legislation will replace the Delhi Right of Citizen to Time Bound Delivery of Services Act, 2011, and introduce a technology-based system that will allow citizens to apply for government services online and track their applications digitally.
Under the proposed law, the Delhi government will notify the services covered under the Act, define delivery timelines for each service and identify the responsible officer handling applications.
A key feature of the Bill is the introduction of a penalty mechanism for officials responsible for unjustified delays. An official may face a fine of Rs 250 per day of delay, with the total penalty limited to Rs 5,000, if a notified service is not provided within the prescribed period without sufficient justification.
Officials may also face a one-time penalty ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 5,000 if an application is rejected without valid reasons. However, the government has clarified that no penalty will be imposed without providing the concerned official an opportunity to explain the delay or rejection.Online Applications And Real-Time Tracking System
The proposed system will enable citizens to apply for government services online and monitor the progress of their applications in real time.
Each application will receive a unique identification number, and details related to every stage of processing will be made available digitally. Government departments will also be able to monitor pending applications online to ensure timely delivery of services.
The Delhi government stated that digitalisation of the process would reduce repeated visits to government offices, improve transparency and make public service delivery more efficient.No Separate Appeal Required For Delayed Services
The proposed law removes the requirement for citizens to file a separate appeal in cases where government departments fail to deliver services within the prescribed timeline.
If the designated officer does not provide the service within the given period, the matter will automatically be considered an appeal before the Citizen Grievance Redressal Authority.
If the grievance authority fails to decide the matter within the specified timeframe, the case will automatically be escalated to the Delhi Right to Service Commission.
The provision aims to prevent citizens from undergoing a separate appeal process after delays in receiving government services.Grievance Authority To Be Established In Every Department
Every government department will have a Citizen Grievance Redressal Authority to handle complaints related to delayed services and rejected applications.
These authorities will have the power to direct delivery of services, identify officials responsible for delays and begin the penalty process wherever necessary.
Appeals filed before these authorities will generally have to be decided within 30 days.Independent Commission To Monitor Implementation
The Bill also proposes the establishment of an independent statutory Delhi Right to Service Commission comprising a chairperson and other members.
The commission will handle second appeals, supervise implementation of the law and conduct inspections of government offices. It will also have the authority to recommend departmental action against negligent officials, suggest administrative reforms and recommend inclusion of additional services under the legislation.
The commission will be empowered to conduct inquiries independently and publish an annual report on government service delivery and implementation of the law.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the proposed Bill is aimed at ensuring that citizens receive notified government services within fixed timelines while holding departments and officials accountable for delays and negligence.
She said the legislation would make public services more transparent, efficient, responsive and technology-driven.
Once implemented, the new system is expected to reduce service delays, minimise repeated visits to government offices and provide citizens with an automatic grievance redressal mechanism, marking a major step towards improving accountability in public administration.
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