Time-bound policing services launched in Haryana, FIR copies to be available without delay

Residents of Haryana will soon experience faster access to several police and administrative services after the state government decided to place a wide range of Home Department facilities under the Haryana Right to Service (RTS) framework.

The reform, cleared through a notification issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, covers 33 citizen-centric services and is aimed at ensuring that applications related to policing, licensing, and verification are processed within fixed deadlines.

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Among the most significant changes is the provision for immediate access to FIR and DDR copies, either directly or through digital platforms. Citizens seeking renewal of firearm licences will also benefit from a defined processing period, with authorities required to dispose of applications within 15 days.

The initiative extends to several permissions routinely sought from law enforcement agencies. Requests related to public gatherings, processions, and the use of loudspeakers will now be processed within seven days, while police verification of tenants, domestic workers, and character credentials must be completed within three weeks.

Government officials said the decision is intended to reduce procedural delays and make service delivery more predictable for the public. Permissions required for organising fairs, exhibitions, and sporting events have also been brought under the new timeline-based system, with approvals expected to be issued within five days.

A key feature of the revised mechanism is the accountability structure attached to each service. Specific officers have been assigned responsibility for delivering services within the prescribed period. In cases where deadlines are missed, applicants will have the right to approach designated appellate authorities for redress.

Officials said the move represents a shift from discretionary processing to a legally enforceable timeline-based model. By integrating Home Department services with the RTS Act, the government hopes to minimise unnecessary visits to offices, encourage digital access, and improve public confidence in administrative functioning.

The state administration believes that introducing strict timelines and a formal appeal process will not only speed up service delivery but also increase transparency and responsibility within the policing and licensing system. As the new framework comes into effect, citizens are expected to receive a broader range of public services in a more efficient and accountable manner.