In the initial step (first stage) of the Model Grievance Procedure, an aggrieved employee is required to present his or her grievance:

Stage 1 Protocol: Under the standard Model Grievance Procedure (formulated by the National Tripartite Committee), the first step requires an aggrieved employee to submit their grievance verbally in person to the designated officer/immediate superior (often called the Departmental Officer). Time Limit: The officer is required to give an answer to the employee within 48 hours. Why Other Options are Incorrect: Legal Counsel (Option 1): External legal representation is not permitted in internal statutory/model grievance machinery stages. Through Trade Union (Option 2): Union representatives step in at later stages (Stage 2/3) if the grievance remains unresolved by the immediate supervisor or Head of Department. Through Arbitrator (Option 3): Voluntary arbitration is the final escalation stage (Stage 5), invoked only when internal grievance procedures fail to achieve a consensus.