HOW LONG SHOULD A CITIZEN HAVE TO WAIT?
The Question
Should routine government services arrive within a defined time — or come with a reasoned written answer?
Why It Matters
Delay is a hidden tax on citizens. Time-bound services with accountability for misses respect people's time and dignity.
What Exists Today
Several states run service-guarantee style laws with different timelines and remedies. Deadlines can differ by service and jurisdiction.
Jawabdeh Proposal
- A time-bound guarantee (illustratively, 15 days) or a reasoned written answer.
- When a deadline is missed: reason recorded, responsible officer identified, appeal available, and penalty / compensation where legally provided.
These are Jawabdeh proposals — not existing law.
OR A REASONED ANSWER.
Citizen files a request.
Application is acknowledged and assigned.
Processing and verification underway.
Service delivered — or a reasoned written answer.
If missed: reason recorded, officer identified, appeal available.
Service deadlines can differ by service and jurisdiction.
Arguments For
- Respects citizens' time.
- Creates a clear accountability trail.
Arguments Against
- Some services are genuinely complex.
- Needs staffing and systems to work well.
Alternatives
- Publish per-service median processing times.
- Tiered timelines by service complexity.
Should routine government services carry a time-bound guarantee or a reasoned answer?
Be the first to vote — real counts only