Chief Secy directs all depts to set up grievance redressal committees

In a significant administrative directive, Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi has instructed all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, managing directors of boards and corporations and university registrars to constitute Employee Grievance Redressal Committees in their respective departments. This move aligns with the recently introduced Haryana State Litigation Policy, 2025, aimed at reducing avoidable court cases through timely and fair grievance resolution.

Emphasising the importance of robust internal mechanisms, Rastogi said the initiative would "strengthen internal administrative processes and promote a culture of responsiveness." He said employee concerns must be addressed promptly and in line with service rules and established policies to reduce the necessity for judicial intervention.

The directive highlights that departments must form and notify the grievance redressal committees within 15 days, reporting compliance to the Additional Chief Secretary, Administration of Justice Department. The policy underlines that poor handling of employee grievances is a major cause of unnecessary litigation and mandates a two-tier grievance redressal system: Head Office Level: Chaired by the Head of Department, comprising two Class-I officers and a law officer and District Level: Headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner or a retired District/Additional District Judge, with the District Accounts Officer/Senior Accounts Officer and a law officer (District Attorney or ADA). All grievances are to be resolved within a maximum of eight weeks.

The directive also recommends that departments develop an online grievance portal in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC). This portal will allow employees to lodge grievances, monitor progress and receive time-bound updates.

Monthly reviews will be conducted to monitor committee effectiveness and suggest changes in rules or policies where needed. Departments have been especially urged to prioritise long-pending issues such as disciplinary matters, seniority disputes and ACP-related grievances, with a strong focus on regularly updating seniority lists following due process.