The 21-day rule and other deadlines the government set for itself
Statutory timelines you can quote back: CPGRAMS, Right to Service, RTI, power supply, GRAP.
The most useful sentence in a complaint is a deadline the department already agreed to.
- Central grievances: 21 days. DARPG's August 2024 guidelines set the CPGRAMS redressal time at 21 days, with an interim reply if longer and an appeal if you rate the resolution poor. pgportal.gov.in
- State services: the notified limit, then automatic appeal. The Auto Appeal System escalates without you filing anything; the Commission can fine the officer.
- Information: 30 days. RTI replies are due in 30 days, 48 hours where life or liberty is involved. rtionline.gov.in
- Electricity: HERC standards. DHBVN owes compensation for delay. Helpline 1912.
- Air: GRAP stages. Restrictions apply automatically as the AQI crosses thresholds; violations go on the Sameer app.
Quote the deadline, attach the date you filed, and the conversation becomes a compliance question.