Lucknow, Sep 28 (IANS) In a unique initiative, Lucknow’s district inspector of schools has introduced a citizens’ charter, laying down a deadline for completion of every major task in the office.

The initiative was taken by Umesh Tripathi, saying: ‘It will go a long way in not only reigning in the unbridled staff, but also in curbing corruption in the department.’

Directives have been issued for immediate attention to public complaints, failing which action would follow against the erring staff, he said.

While the charter is aimed at providing relief to harassed public who had to suffer on account of the prevalent lethargy and rampant corruption in the department, it was also stated to be an effort towards improving the overall work culture in the organisation.

According to Tripathi, ‘salaries to the staff will now be necessarily disbursed on the first of every month, all matters pertaining to provident fund would be disposed of within a week, reports on disputes relating to promotions and pension would also have to be submitted to the statutory committe within a week.’

Prolonged wait for appointment of the next of kin of deceased employees on compassionate grounds will also be over. ‘All such appointments will have to be done within 15 days,’ he said.

‘With a view to end the long wait for counter-signing of transfer certificates and other testimonials, a time-frame of two days has been prescribed while an upper limit of one month has been given for clearance of issues relating to recognition of institution.’