Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday launched the portal of the Bihar Public Grievance Redress System ( www.bpgrs.in) and asked all civil servants to ensure its smooth implementation.

"We are launching BPGRA on June 5 and it will be implemented from the very next day," Nitish said. "It is the civil servants' responsibility to implement it effectively. BPGRA will be a very effective step in governance and lead to strengthening of administrative system in the country. You all (civil services officers) should pledge to make Bihar a model vis-a-vis administration and good governance."

Nitish was speaking at a Civil Services Day function, organised for the first time in the state. The function is usually held in New Delhi to commemorate the occasion when then Union home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the first batch of civil servants of independent India at Metcalf House.

Nitish said the janata durbar gave the public a chance to air their grievances, but there was nothing to ensure redressal. BPGRA will put in place a three-tier infrastructure at the sub-division, district and state capital or departmental level in this regard.

The Act was to be implemented on May 1, but was postponed pending orientation of officials, selection of employees who would work for BPGRA and their training. Panchayat polls from April 24 till May-end also delayed launch.

"The general administration department would be the administrative institution for BPGRA," Nitish said. "It will cover all grievances except matters that are sub judice and service matters."

The grievance redressal time limit would be two months in the beginning, but would be reduced later on. Nitish added that his "seven resolves" and formation of Bihar Vikas Mission to provide specialist and professional help would bring a change in administrative thought and concept.