The new Chhattisgarh government has asked to explain 13 of the 27 district collectors for the delay, or being 'inactive', in filing reports on how the Chhattisgarh Lok Seva Guarantee Act has delivered in their respective districts.

On the eve of the new year, the chief secretary at the behest of the state CM wrote to all collectors seeking details on the number of applications received under the given Act, the cases resolved, the reason behind the delay in redressing the remaining and the action taken against those (officials) held accountable for not sorting out the issues within the given time-frame.

"The 13 collectors have been given 3 days to explain the delay and furnish the details. Such feedback will offer the government how the issues and problems of the citizens are being attended and resolved at block and district levels. The people shouldn't be under compulsion to visit the state secretariat or meet the concerned minister or the chief minister for issues that can be tackled at the district level", a government spokesperson said.

The Lok Seva Guarantee Act provides for the delivery of certain public services to citizens by the state government, local bodies, public authorities or agencies within the stipulated time, (30 days) and to fix the liabilities of persons responsible for delivery of such services.