Panjim, July 2: The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (DITE&C) of Goa has recently announced major updates to the Gramin Mitra initiative to make government services more accessible and affordable. Approved by the State Cabinet, the “Revamp and Redesign Of Gramin Mitra – Doorstep Delivery of Government Services” initiative introduces revised service delivery charges to encourage greater adoption of doorstep services.
Under the revised framework, citizens will pay Rs. 50 per service delivery out of the total Rs. 250 service charge, with the government subsidizing the remaining Rs. 200+ taxes. This aims to increase accessibility to Gramin Mitra services, aligning with citizen preferences and promoting greater service utilization.
Analysis over the past five months until December 2023, along with feedback from CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd., observed citizen reluctance towards the previous fee structure. Due to cost concerns, citizens preferred visiting nearby CSC – VLE centers, leading to the underutilization of the Gramin Mitra Scheme. After thorough examination and comparison of different state models for doorstep service delivery, the state government has proposed a service delivery charge of Rs 250, along with applicable taxes.
To further streamline service access, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) has established 11 ecosystems leveraging IT tools to facilitate efficient service delivery. These ecosystems will provide single-window access to a diverse range of government services, ensuring a convenient, hassle-free, affordable, time-bound, and transparent experience for citizens both online and offline. Additionally, CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd. has launched a dedicated call center with a toll-free number 14471, offering citizens streamlined access to government services and support.
The revised Gramin Mitra Service initiative showcases Goa’s commitment to enhancing citizen-centric service delivery through accessible and cost-effective solutions, reinforcing its vision for inclusive governance and public service excellence.
