Dulloo calls for leveraging CSC network to deepen citizen-centric governance in J&K
Srinagar : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Monday in a review meeting assessed the performance of Common Services Centres (CSCs) across Jammu and Kashmir and discussed measures for leveraging the extensive CSC network to strengthen citizen-centric governance by taking public services to the doorsteps of the people.
Besides the ACS Finance and Commissioner Secretary, IT the meeting was also attended by the concerned Administrative Secretaries; CEO, JaKeGA and many senior officers of the IT Department.Deputy Commissioners attended the meeting through video conferencing.
At the outset, the Chief Secretary e-inaugurated 12 CSC Digital Excellence Centres for e-Governance established in Anantnag, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar, Kathua, Jammu, Reasi, Kulgam, Ramban and Samba districts.
These centres have been conceived as dedicated hubs for promoting digital governance, enhancing the capacity of Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), improving digital literacy and facilitating seamless delivery of Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services.
The centres are expected to serve as focal points for awareness generation, adoption of emerging digital platforms and effective implementation of flagship Government programmes, thereby strengthening last-mile governance across the UT.
Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary highlighted the significant role of Common Service Centers (CSCs) in enhancing public service delivery in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the extensive network of over 15,500 active CSCs could serve as a foundation for grassroots digital governance. He emphasized the need to utilize this network effectively to ensure that all citizens have timely access to government services, regardless of their location. The Chief Secretary directed the Revenue Department and local authorities to collaborate on a digital crop survey, aiming for completion by September to qualify for incentives under the AgriStack program. Additionally, he called for a detailed roadmap to create Farmer IDs under AgriStack by August 15, prioritizing this initiative within district administrations. The Chief Secretary also tasked CSCs with taking on responsibilities under the amended BharatNet Programme to enhance digital connectivity in rural areas. He urged the Information Technology Department and CSC SPV to expand the range of services offered through CSCs, particularly focusing on integrating services from the Labour Department and other key initiatives to streamline access for citizens. The meeting also underscored the potential of CSCs in promoting financial inclusion, with a suggestion for their involvement as Direct Selling Agents for J&K Bank. The Commissioner Secretary of the Information Technology Department provided an overview of CSCs’ achievements, noting their crucial role in facilitating numerous citizen-centric transactions and implementing various welfare schemes. The J&K Head of CSC SPV reported on the progress of previous action items, including capacity building for Village Level Entrepreneurs and the operationalization of grievance redressal mechanisms. Plans for the timely operationalization of remaining Digital Excellence Centres and the integration of additional government services were also discussed, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance the CSC ecosystem.
