In a move to strengthen digital governance, the Maharashtra government on Thursday announced the expansion of its 'Aple Sarkar Seva Kendras', which function as one-stop centres for various citizen services. This initiative aligns with the Central Government's CSC 2.0 programme, aimed at improving access to digital services.
According to an order issued by the state's Information and Technology department, these service centres will now be established in every gram panchayat to ensure wider accessibility. Additionally, villages with a population exceeding 5,000 will have at least two such centres, further boosting public service delivery at the grassroots level.
"In urban areas, the number of centres will be determined based on population density, ensuring wider service availability.
Existing digital service centres, including Maha E-Seva Kendras, district and taluka-level Setu Kendras, and municipal citizen service centres, will be brought under the Aple Sarkar branding to maintain uniformity and streamline operations," it said.
The Maharashtra Information Technology Corporation (MITC) has been tasked with managing the overall implementation and supervision of these centres, which provide online services, including Aadhaar-related facilities, banking, insurance, utility bill payments, land records, birth and death certificates etc.
"To improve efficiency, the government has mandated digital payment options through Maha Wallet and other platforms. District collectors have been directed to oversee the identification and approval process for new centres while ensuring compliance with service standards. Any service lapses or violations of guidelines could result in penalties or the revocation of licences," the order said.
(With PTI inputs)
ALSO READ: Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis-led govt hikes dearness allowance of employees by 12 per cent