Kerala Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is a mechanism for filing complaints against public representatives and officials for corruption, nepotism, misappropriation of funds, or dereliction of duty. The Ombudsman is a quasi-judicial body with powers. Under the current provisions, only a retired High Court judge can be appointed as the Ombudsman. People can directly approach the Ombudsman with a complaint. If a complaint is received, he has the power to summon anyone and conduct an investigation and recommend action. The Ombudsman was started to hear and resolve customer complaints in the banking sector. Delay in providing services, denying someone the right to receive services, and making services generous are considered corruption in modern society. People can file complaints with the Ombudsman against such corruption.

Types of Ombudsman in Kerala 

■ Kerala Ombudsman for Local Self Government Institutions

It is responsible for conducting detailed and general inquiries into allegations of corruption, maladministration or maladministration in the administration of local self-government institutions and their officials. Initially, there was a 7-member Ombudsman. This became the condition for the appointment of a single-member Ombudsman through an amendment to the law. A former High Court Judge is appointed as the Ombudsman by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. The term of the Ombudsman is three years.

■ Kerala Ombudsman for Co-operatives

■ Kerala State Electricity Ombudsman

■ Banking Ombudsman

PSC Questions

1. Ombudsman for Local Government Institutions in Kerala was established - 2000

2. When the Ombudsman was established in Kerala, the members were - 7 (including the Chairman)

3. Year the Panchayat Raj Act was amended to make it a single-member Ombudsman in Kerala - 2001

4. Headquarters of the Kerala Ombudsman - Thiruvananthapuram

5. Mechanism for hearing and resolving customer complaints in the banking sector - Banking Ombudsman