Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

Grievance Redressal Mechanisms under the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD)

The Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) has instituted various channels for resolving public grievances and complaints regarding Grama Panchayats:

1. K-SMART Online Portal A unified digital portal for accessing local body services online. Citizens can register their grievances, feedback, and objections directly through this web platform.

2. LSGD Public Grievance Cell Handles administrative complaints regarding local body operations. Dedicated WhatsApp helpline numbers are available for specific issues:

  • Service Delays & Corruption: +91 8078066060
  • Garbage-Free New Kerala (Malinya Muktha Nava Keralam) Complaints: +91 9446700800

3. LSGI Ombudsman A state-level statutory authority empowered to investigate corruption, maladministration, and irregularities involving local body office-bearers (including Presidents) and officials.

  • Address: LSG Ombudsman, Saphalyam Complex (4th Floor), University P.O., Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram – 695034
  • Phone: 0471-2333542 | 0471-2330546 | 0484-2430703
  • Email: ombudsmanlsgi@gmail.com

4. Tribunal for Local Self Government Institutions An independent judicial body headed by a officer of District Judge rank to hear appeals and revisions against decisions made by local bodies.

  • Filing Guidelines: Petitions must be submitted using Form C within 30 days of the contested order. If no decision is taken on a representation within 60 days, a petition can be filed within 90 days.
  • Fees: Includes a ₹50 Demand Draft (payable at Thiruvananthapuram) and a ₹100 Legal Benefit Fund stamp on the petition.
  • Address: Tribunal for LSG Institutions, TRIDA Building, Rehabilitation Block, Medical College P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695011
  • Phone: 0471-2478394 | 0471-2578449 | 9447768394

5. Chief Minister's Public Grievance Redressal System A state-wide online portal for lodging administrative complaints, tracking resolution status, and identifying designated Charge Officers. Complaints regarding any local body service are routed to the relevant departmental authorities for action.

6. Minister for LSGD & Excise Grievance Portal A dedicated online portal allowing citizens to submit complaints directly to the Minister for Local Self Government and Excise. Applicants receive real-time SMS tracking updates on their complaint's status.

7. LSGD Vigilance Wing Operating adjacent to the Secretariat, this wing investigates public complaints regarding unauthorized or illegal building constructions and file irregularities within local bodies.