New Delhi, 02 November (H.S.): The Union Ministry of Rural Development has officially notified the Grievance Redressal Rules, 2026, under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Act, 2025. Under the new framework, grievances related to the implementation of the scheme are required to be resolved within 15 days.

According to the Ministry, State Governments will appoint designated Grievance Redressal Officers at the Gram Panchayat, Block and District levels to ensure a structured and time-bound mechanism for addressing complaints. At the district level, the District Programme Coordinator will oversee the grievance redressal process.

Citizens will be able to submit complaints through multiple channels, including in person, by Speed Post with proof of delivery, through the designated Digital Public Infrastructure for grievance redressal, or via telephone helplines. Complaints received offline must be registered on the designated portal on the same day or by the next working day. Complainants will also receive an immediate digital acknowledgement upon registration of their grievances.

The primary objective of the new rules is to establish a systematic, multi-tiered, transparent and time-bound mechanism for resolving complaints concerning the implementation of the scheme in rural areas.

Under the prescribed timelines, Grievance Redressal Officers will be required to complete an enquiry into a complaint within seven working days of its receipt and ensure its final resolution within 15 days. Where necessary, complainants will also be given a reasonable opportunity to present their case, either in person or through electronic means.

The entire process, from the registration of complaints to their final disposal, will be digitally tracked to ensure transparency and accountability. If a grievance remains unresolved within the stipulated 15-day period, it will automatically be escalated to the next higher authority under the mechanism established by the respective State Government.

The rules also provide for an appellate mechanism against orders passed under the grievance redressal system. Appeals can be filed and disposed of in accordance with Schedule I of the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025.

According to the Ministry, the notification marks an important step towards safeguarding the rights of rural households and strengthening administrative accountability. It is intended to ensure that no citizen is denied the opportunity to have their grievances addressed because of procedural formalities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar