The CSC Gujarat Digital Seva Setu program, launched by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, in the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 8th October 2020, aims to provide digital services to all the residents of the state. The program is part of the state government’s efforts to promote digitization and transparency.
Objective and Implementation:
The objective of the Gujarat Digital Seva Setu Scheme is to provide digital services to over 3500 villages in Gujarat by the end of December 2020. To achieve this, a 100 Mbps optical fiber network will be laid across the state to ensure high-speed internet connectivity. This initiative will connect 3500 districts and villages, enabling the residents to access fast internet services.
Services and Phases:
The program offers a wide range of e-services that are regulated by different departments. Currently, there are 55 e-services provided across the state, including agriculture and co-operation services, energy and petrochemical services, food, civil supplies, and consumer affairs services, health and family welfare services, home department services, panchayats, rural housing, and rural development services, and ports and transport services.
The scheme is being implemented in two phases. In the first phase, e-services will be provided to 2700 villages, with 20 digital services available. By the end of December 2020, an additional 8000 villages were added to the scheme. The remaining villages are expected to be reached by the end of 2021. In the second phase, the state government plans to convert the villages into mini secretariats, bringing government services closer to the citizens.
Benefits and Purpose:
The Gujarat Digital Seva Setu Scheme brings numerous benefits to the residents of Gujarat. It promotes digitization and e-services, eliminating the need for residents to travel to taluka or district-level offices. High-speed internet services are made available in every Gram Panchayat, ensuring connectivity in rural areas. The e-Gram Panchayat offices within the villages serve as hubs for accessing all the benefits. This scheme eliminates middlemen, ensuring direct access to services, and allows citizens to store their issued certificates and documents securely in digital lockers, accessible through smartphones.
Online Application Procedure:
To apply for the Digital Seva Setu Scheme Phase 1, citizens of Gujarat need to visit the official website of the Government of Gujarat on the Digital Gujarat SevaSetu Portal. On the home page, click on the “Register” option and fill in the required details, including a valid mobile number, email address, and password. After entering the captcha code, click on “Save” and confirm the OTP sent to the registered mobile number. The applicant’s profile will then open. There is no fee for filling and submitting the application form, but a nominal fee of Rs. 20 is required for each e-service received at the e-Gram Panchayat office.
Logging in and Updating Profile:
After successfully logging in to the Digital Gujarat Seva portal, beneficiaries can access the services of the Digital Locker, where they can store important documents and certificates. The portal also allows users to update their profiles. To update the profile, visit the official website of the scheme, click on “My Profile” on the homepage, and make the desired changes. After making the changes, click on “Update Profile” to save them.
Helpline and Support:
For any queries regarding the Gujarat Digital Seva Setu Scheme, citizens can contact the concerned department through the helpline number 1800233550. The dedicated helpline will provide assistance and support to address the citizens’ queries.
Conclusion:
The Gujarat Digital Seva Setu Program is a significant step toward bridging the gap between rural and urban areas in terms of access to digital services. By providing high-speed internet connectivity and a wide range of e-services, the scheme aims to promote digitization, transparency, and convenience for the residents of Gujarat. With the government’s efforts and the support of citizens, Gujarat is making strides in the path of industrialization and digitization.