Assessing the Outcomes of the Jharkhand Right to Service Act, 2011: A Spatio Temporal Analysis

Sanjay Kumar

Abstract: The Right to Service (RTS) framework represents a significant shift in Indian public administration from discretionary, process-oriented governance to a rights-based, citizen-centric service delivery model. The Jharkhand Right to Service Act, 2011 (JRTS Act) was enacted with the objective of ensuring time-bound delivery of essential public services and strengthening administrative accountability in a socio-economically diverse and tribal-dominated state. This paper examines the positive governance outcomes of the JRTS Act through a spatio-temporal analysis of its implementation between 2011 and 2025. Adopting a mixed-methods research design, the study draws upon primary data collected from selected districts of Jharkhand, including citizen surveys and interviews with designated officers and appellate authorities, supplemented by secondary analysis of official records and portal data. The empirical findings indicate that approximately 68 per cent of applications were delivered within the stipulated time limits, while the average service delivery time for certificate services declined from about 12 days to nearly 6 days during the period under review. Additionally, around 72 per cent of surveyed citizens reported overall satisfaction with services delivered under the Act. The study finds that the JRTS Act has significantly improved the timeliness, predictability, and transparency of public service delivery, reduced citizen transaction costs, and strengthened accountability within the administrative system. While contextual challenges persist, particularly in remote and Scheduled Areas, the overall trajectory of implementation reflects progressive institutional learning and adaptive governance. The paper concludes that the JRTS Act constitutes a successful administrative reform with important policy implications for strengthening citizen-centric governance in backward and tribal regions.

Keywords: Right to Service, Public Administration, Good Governance, Digital Governance, Jharkhand, Citizen Centric Services

How to Cite?: Sanjay Kumar, "Assessing the Outcomes of the Jharkhand Right to Service Act, 2011: A Spatio Temporal Analysis", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1117-1120, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251215012438, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251215012438