Common Civic Mistakes Citizens Make (And How to Avoid Them)

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TL;DR: Many citizens make the same mistakes when raising a civic issue: wrong department, no reference number, or giving up after one try. Here are three common mistakes and how to avoid them so your complaint gets heard.

Mistake 1 — Wrong channel: Sending a local issue to the Centre (or the other way around) delays response. Check whether your issue is with the panchayat, municipality, State, or Centre, and use the right portal or office.

Mistake 2 — No proof: Not keeping the reference number or a copy of the complaint makes follow-up difficult. Always note the reference number and expected timeline. Take a screenshot or photo of the acknowledgment.

Mistake 3 — No follow-up: Many complaints are resolved after one reminder. If you get no response by the stated date, use the escalation or first-appeal option. One follow-up often gets the file moving.

Related: How to Raise a Public Issue · Government Responses and Accountability