Every state government in India runs a public grievance system that lets citizens register complaints directly with the Chief Minister’s Office. These systems go by different names – Jansunwai in Uttar Pradesh, Sampark in Rajasthan, Spandana in Andhra Pradesh, Mudhalvarin Mugavari in Tamil Nadu – but they all serve the same purpose: giving you a direct line to your state government when a department fails to act.
Whether your Ration Card application is stuck, your pension has not arrived, a road in your area has not been repaired, or a government officer is not responding, the CM Helpline is the right place to escalate. This guide covers how to file a complaint, what to keep ready, how to track your grievance, and what to do if your complaint does not get resolved. The complete state-wise list of portals, helpline numbers, and apps is in the table below.
CM Helpline vs CPGRAMS: Which One Do You Use?
Before filing a complaint, the single most important thing to know is whether your issue belongs to the state government or the central government. Filing on the wrong platform delays resolution.
Use your state CM Helpline for:
- Ration card issues (apply, status, correction, FPS problems)
- State pension schemes (old age, widow, disability)
- Electricity and water supply complaints
- Road and public infrastructure in your area
- State government hospitals and schools
- Land records, property mutation, and registry
- Police complaints (state police matters)
- State welfare schemes (housing, scholarships, subsidies)
- Any officer or department under the state government
Use CPGRAMS (pgportal.gov.in) for:
- Passport and visa issues (MEA)
- Income tax and PAN card problems (CBDT)
- EPF and ESIC grievances
- Railway complaints
- Aadhaar and UIDAI issues
- Banking and insurance complaints (RBI, IRDAI regulated)
- Central government hospital issues (AIIMS, CGHS)
- Postal complaints (India Post)
- Telecom issues (DoT regulated)
- Any ministry or department of the Government of India
When in doubt, start with the state CM Helpline. If the issue belongs to a central department, the portal will redirect you or you can escalate to CPGRAMS at pgportal.gov.in.
What to Keep Ready Before Filing
A well-prepared complaint gets resolved faster. Keep the following ready before you start:
- Your mobile number and email ID (for OTP login on most portals)
- Aadhaar Card Number (required on many state portals for identity verification)
- Reference number from any previous application related to your complaint (for example, your ration card application number, pension application number, or FIR number)
- Name of the department or officer involved
- Date when the problem started or when you last approached the department
- Scanned copies or photographs of supporting documents (electricity bill, Ration Card, government letter, or any other proof)
- A clear, factual description of the issue in two to three sentences
Keep your complaint focused. Mention what happened, when it happened, which department is responsible, and what resolution you are seeking. Avoid vague language. Portals that support document upload give your complaint a stronger chance of resolution.
How to File a Complaint Online
Step 1: Find your state portal in the table below. Click the portal link to go directly to the official grievance website.
Step 2: Register on the portal using your mobile number or email ID. Most portals use OTP-based login. Some states like Bihar and Karnataka require Aadhaar-linked login.
Step 3: Select the department your complaint relates to. Most portals have a dropdown list of departments. Choosing the correct department routes your complaint to the right officer and avoids delays.
Step 4: Fill in the complaint form with your name, address, mobile number, and a clear description of the issue. Upload supporting documents where the option is available. Keep file sizes under 2 MB in JPG or PDF format.
Step 5: Submit the complaint. You will receive an acknowledgement number by SMS or on screen. This is your reference for all future tracking. Save it immediately. Do not submit the same complaint multiple times as it creates duplicates and can slow down resolution.
How to File a Complaint by Phone
If you are not comfortable with online portals, every state with a CM Helpline has a toll-free phone number. Call the number listed in the table below, describe your issue to the call centre representative, and note down the complaint reference number they provide. The representative logs the complaint into the same system as the online portal, so phone complaints receive the same tracking and escalation as online ones.
States with 24×7 helplines include Uttar Pradesh (1076), Madhya Pradesh (181), and Tamil Nadu (1100). States like Kerala (1076) and Himachal Pradesh (1100) operate during office hours only. Check the timing in the table before calling.
How to File via WhatsApp
Several states now accept grievances directly through WhatsApp. This is especially useful for citizens in rural areas or those who find portals difficult to navigate:
- Odisha (Jana Sunani): Send “Hi” to 6370951930
- Meghalaya (CM Connect): WhatsApp 9436394363
- Tripura CM Helpline: WhatsApp 6033374544
- Chhattisgarh (Sewa Setu): WhatsApp 9203406400
- Manipur (GovConnect): WhatsApp integration available on the portal
- MP CM Helpline: WhatsApp 7552555582 for complaint status
How to Track Your Complaint
Every portal generates a unique reference number at the time of submission. Use this number to track your complaint status:
- On the portal: Log in or use the track complaint option with your reference number
- By SMS: Most portals send automatic updates to your registered mobile number at each stage of the complaint
- By phone: Call the helpline and provide your reference number to get a verbal status update
- By WhatsApp: States like Odisha and MP allow status checks via WhatsApp using the reference number
Resolution timelines vary by state. Maharashtra has a statutory 21-day deadline under the Right to Services Act 2015. Karnataka imposes a penalty of Rs 20 per day on officials who miss the SLA. CPGRAMS has a 21-day SLA for central complaints. Most other state portals aim for 30 days, but enforcement varies.
What to Do if Your Complaint Is Not Resolved
If your complaint is closed without resolution or the response is unsatisfactory, follow this escalation path:
Level 1: Reopen or Remind
Most portals allow you to reopen a closed complaint or send a reminder if the resolution is unsatisfactory. Use this before escalating. On portals like CPGRAMS, you can rate the resolution as “Poor” which automatically enables an appeal option.
Level 2: Escalate within the Portal
Most state grievance systems have a two-tier appeal structure. If the designated officer does not resolve your complaint, you can appeal to the First Appellate Officer. If that also fails, a Second Appellate Officer is available. These options are within the same portal.
Level 3: CPGRAMS
If your state portal has failed repeatedly, file on pgportal.gov.in. CPGRAMS forwards the complaint to the state and tracks it centrally. This creates an additional paper trail that state departments take more seriously.
Level 4: State Lokayukta
For complaints involving official misconduct, corruption, or abuse of power, approach the State Lokayukta or Lokpal. This is a statutory body with independent authority to investigate and penalise erring officials.
Level 5: High Court (Writ Petition)
If all administrative channels have failed and your fundamental rights are involved, you can file a writ petition in the relevant High Court. This is a last resort but it is effective for long-pending cases.
CPGRAMS: The Central Government Grievance Portal
The Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System, commonly known as CPGRAMS, is the official portal for complaints against central government ministries and departments. It operates 24×7 at pgportal.gov.in and is also accessible through the CPGRAMS mobile app on Google Play and through the UMANG app.
Filing a complaint on CPGRAMS is free. You register with your mobile number or email, select the ministry or department, describe the issue, and submit. You receive a unique registration ID that can be used to track status, send reminders, and file appeals. CPGRAMS is connected to all state governments as well, so central complaints that have a state component get routed appropriately.
CPGRAMS does not accept RTI requests, court-related matters, religious matters, or service-related grievances of government employees unless prescribed channels have been exhausted.
Tips for Getting Your Complaint Resolved Faster
- File on the correct portal for your issue type. State issues on the CM Helpline. Central issues on CPGRAMS.
- Be specific. Include dates, names of officers, application numbers, and exact amounts if money is involved.
- Upload documents. A complaint with supporting evidence moves faster than one without.
- Use only one channel initially. Duplicate complaints across multiple portals slow down the process.
- Follow up after 15 days if you have received no response. Send a reminder using your reference number.
- Keep records of every complaint number, every response received, and every date of interaction.
State-wise CM Helpline Portal List
Different states in India operate their own CM Helpline, Jansunwai, Lok Shikayat, Prajavani, Sampark or grievance redressal systems. The table below provides quick access to official complaint portals, helpline numbers and mobile applications so citizens can submit complaints, track grievance status, and escalate unresolved issues through the appropriate government platform.
| State / UT | Details |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh |
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| Maharashtra |
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| Bihar |
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| Rajasthan |
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| Madhya Pradesh |
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| West Bengal |
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| Tamil Nadu |
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| Karnataka |
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| Gujarat |
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| Andhra Pradesh |
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| Odisha |
|
| Telangana |
|
| Kerala |
|
| Jharkhand |
|
| Assam |
|
| Punjab |
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| Chhattisgarh |
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| Haryana |
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| Uttarakhand |
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| Himachal Pradesh |
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| Delhi |
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| Manipur |
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| Meghalaya |
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| Tripura |
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| Arunachal Pradesh |
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| Nagaland |
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| Mizoram |
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| Sikkim |
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| Goa |
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| Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
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| Chandigarh |
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| Puducherry |
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| Jammu & Kashmir |
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| Ladakh |
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| Lakshadweep |
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| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a CM Helpline?
Ans. A CM Helpline is a public grievance system set up by a state government that lets citizens register complaints about state government departments, services, and officers. Complaints reach the Chief Minister’s Office and are forwarded to the relevant department for resolution. Most states operate this through an online portal, a toll-free number, and in some cases a mobile app or WhatsApp channel.
Q. Is filing a complaint on the CM Helpline free?
Ans. Yes. Filing a complaint on any state CM Helpline portal or by calling the toll-free helpline number is completely free. The government does not charge any fee for grievance registration. Be wary of any person or website asking for payment to file your complaint.
Q. What is CPGRAMS and when should I use it?
Ans. CPGRAMS stands for Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System. It is the official grievance portal of the Government of India, available at pgportal.gov.in. Use CPGRAMS for complaints against central government departments such as Income Tax, Passport Office, Railways, EPFO, UIDAI, and central banks. For state government issues like ration cards, pensions, electricity, and roads, use your state CM Helpline.
Q. How long does it take to resolve a CM Helpline complaint?
Ans. Timelines vary by state. Maharashtra has a statutory 21-day deadline under the Right to Services Act 2015. CPGRAMS also has a 21-day SLA. Most other states aim for 30 days. Karnataka imposes a penalty of Rs 20 per day on officials who miss the deadline. Complex matters like land disputes or pension arrears can take longer. You can send a reminder through the portal if no action is taken within 15 days.
Q. Can I file a complaint if I do not have internet access?
Ans. Yes. Every state with a CM Helpline has a toll-free phone number. Call the number for your state from the table above and a representative will register your complaint. WhatsApp is also available in Odisha, Meghalaya, Tripura, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, and Madhya Pradesh. You can also visit your nearest CSC centre, where an operator can file the complaint on your behalf.
Q. My complaint was closed, but the issue is not resolved. What do I do?
Ans. Log back into the portal using your reference number and reopen the complaint or submit your dissatisfaction feedback. Most portals allow you to appeal to a higher officer. If the portal-level appeal also fails, file on CPGRAMS which creates central-level accountability. For matters involving official misconduct, approach the State Lokayukta.
Can I file a complaint against a government officer by name?
Ans. Yes. If you have the name and designation of the officer responsible for your issue, include it in the complaint description. Naming a specific officer focuses the complaint and speeds up internal accountability. Attach any supporting documents like official letters or notices, you have received from that officer.
Q. What types of issues are NOT accepted on CM Helpline portals?
Ans. Most portals do not accept RTI applications, court-related or sub-judice matters, religious disputes, or suggestions. Personal family disputes and service-related complaints of government employees (unless prescribed channels are exhausted) are also generally excluded. For RTI applications, file through the respective department’s Public Information Officer.
Q. Can I track my complaint without logging in?
Ans. Many state portals allow complaint status tracking without login by entering the reference number on the track status page. UP Jansunwai, Maharashtra Aaple Sarkar, Bihar Lok Shikayat, and Rajasthan Sampark all support this. Some portals require the registered mobile number along with the reference number for verification.
Q. What is the best way to write an effective complaint?
Ans. Keep it factual and specific. State what happened, which department or officer is responsible, what date the problem started, and what outcome you are seeking. Include any reference numbers from previous applications or interactions. A 3 to 5 sentence description works better than a lengthy narrative. Attach supporting documents if the portal allows uploads.
Q. Does filing a CM Helpline complaint guarantee resolution?
Ans. No system guarantees resolution, but a formally filed complaint creates a tracked record that officials must respond to within defined timelines. States with Right to Service legislation carry additional weight. If your complaint is ignored repeatedly, escalate through the levels described in the escalation section above. For matters involving fundamental rights, the High Court remains an option.
Q. Are there state-specific apps for filing complaints?
Ans. Yes. Several states have dedicated apps: Jansunwai (UP), CM Helpline (MP), Aaple Sarkar (Maharashtra), Jana Sunani (Odisha), TN CM Helpline (Tamil Nadu), Janaspandana (Karnataka), and Spandana (Andhra Pradesh). The CPGRAMS app covers central government complaints. The UMANG app integrates CPGRAMS alongside other government services. Download links are available on the respective state portal pages on sarkariguide.in.
Q. What should I do if the CM Helpline number is not working?
Ans. Try the online portal directly. All state portals listed in the table above accept online complaints without requiring a phone call. If the portal is also temporarily unavailable, use CPGRAMS as an alternate escalation route. For urgent matters like denial of ration or pension non-payment, visit the nearest government office or CSC in person.
Tabassum is a government document researcher and writer with over 5 years of experience exclusively dedicated to tracking and simplifying Central and State Government document processes across India. She has researched and published detailed guides on 100+ government documents and certificates – including Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Ration Card, Domicile Certificate, and Birth Certificate – covering all states and the Central Government, helping lakhs of Indian citizens successfully complete their paperwork in simple, easy-to-understand language.