Under the statutory Model Grievance Procedure recommended in Indian industrial relations practices, what is the maximum prescribed time limit within which the designated management representative at the departmental level (or line supervisor) must provide a formal decision or answer to an aggrieved workman?

Under the Model Grievance Procedure (established in accordance with the tripartite decisions of the Indian Labour Conference): Stage 1 (Departmental Level): An aggrieved workman presents their grievance verbally or in writing to the designated officer/supervisor or departmental head. The management representative at this level is required to give an answer within 48 hours. If the workman is unsatisfied with the answer or if no reply is received within 48 hours, the grievance escalates to Stage 2 (Departmental Head / Grievance Committee, which usually has up to 7 days to give a response).