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Complaint guides · no account needed

Government office or service

Pending applications, refused services, delays at a government office, PSU or municipality

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Government
01
Write down what happened
Who: You — today, while you remember
Officer's name or badge number, place, time, vehicle number, what was said, and any payment proof.
Rule: Notes made the same day carry weight with every authority
Now
02
Written complaint to the office
Who: Head of that office (keep the acknowledgement)
An acknowledgement number.
Rule: Most departments have a citizen's charter with service timelines
⏱ 15 days
03
Government grievance portal
Who: Your state's grievance portal — or CPGRAMS for central government offices, PSU banks, railways, post
A registration number you can track online.
Rule: Departments must answer within the portal's set timeline; you can appeal on the portal if you're unhappy
⏱ 30 days
04
RTI: ask for the status in writing
Who: Public Information Officer of that office (₹10 fee; free for BPL)
A written answer on why it's pending and who is responsible.
Rule: RTI Act, 2005, s.7: reply within 30 days
⏱ 30 days

Guidance, not legal advice. Timelines come from published rules and are rounded up so you never escalate too early.

Common questions

Where do I complain about government office or service?

In this order: 1. Write down what happened (You — today, while you remember), 2. Written complaint to the office (Head of that office (keep the acknowledgement)), 3. Government grievance portal (Your state's grievance portal — or CPGRAMS for central government offices, PSU banks, railways, post), 4. RTI: ask for the status in writing (Public Information Officer of that office (₹10 fee; free for BPL)).

How long do I wait at each step?

Write down what happened: straight away; Written complaint to the office: 15 days; Government grievance portal: 30 days; RTI: ask for the status in writing: 30 days.

What is the final step?

RTI: ask for the status in writing: A written answer on why it's pending and who is responsible.