- Nitesh Chakradhari
- (Assistant Public Relations Officer)
“Seva Setu” has emerged as a significant initiative to make Chhattisgarh’s governance system more transparent, accountable, and people-centric. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government is continuously striving to make administrative services accessible to citizens in a simple, quick, and digital way. As a result of this approach, more than 441 government services, including income, caste, residence certificates, marriage registration, ration cards, and land records, are now available on a single online platform.
- An effective tool for digital governance
Previously, citizens had to visit multiple offices to access services from different departments. Basic services like obtaining certificates consumed significant time, labor, and financial resources. “Seva Setu” has transformed this traditional system, providing citizens with a “one-stop solution.” People are now applying online and receiving services within the stipulated timeframe.
This initiative by the state government represents not only a technological shift but also a shift in administrative culture. This system is reassuring citizens that the government prioritizes their convenience and rights.
- Services increased from 86 to 441
In Chhattisgarh, only 86 services were previously available through the e-District platform. Recognizing the needs of the times, an upgraded version, “Seva Setu,” was developed, which now includes 441 services. These include 54 new services, while 329 redirected services from various departments have also been successfully integrated.
More than 30 departments are connected to this platform, eliminating the need for citizens to rely on separate portals or offices. This has made administrative processes more streamlined and transparent.
- Guaranteed timely service
Under the Chhattisgarh Public Service Guarantee Act, citizens have been given the right to receive services within a stipulated timeframe. “Seva Setu” is practically strengthening this right. Data from the last 28 months demonstrates the effectiveness of this system. During this period, more than 7.57 million applications were received, of which more than 6.841 million cases were resolved. More than 95 percent of these applications were resolved within the stipulated timeframe. This figure is considered a clear indication of administrative efficiency and accountability.
- Highest demand for certification services
According to the CHiPS office, the most applications were for income certificates, numbering over 3.2 million. Additionally, services related to domicile certificates, Other Backward Class certificates, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe certificates, marriage certificates, and land records were also widely utilized.
This demonstrates the importance of bringing services related to citizens’ daily needs digitally. Now, even people in rural and remote areas are able to access services through Common Service Centers, Public Service Centers, and internet-based services.
Government services reach WhatsApp. In response to the growing use of technology, “Seva Setu” services have now been integrated with WhatsApp. This provides greater convenience to people in obtaining information and accessing services. To date, more than 33 million digital transactions have been completed through this platform. This move is considered to strengthen the concept of Digital India at the local level.
- A new model of transparency and trust
“Seva Setu” is not just a portal, but is becoming a new bridge of trust between citizens and government. The electronic workflow system has enabled monitoring of the application process, increasing transparency and reducing unnecessary delays. This initiative by the state government is a coordinated example of administrative reform, technological innovation, and citizen convenience. If the expansion of services and quality improvement continues at this pace, “Seva Setu” could become a model for other states in the future.
Good governance in the digital age means not only formulating plans but also delivering them to the public in a timely and simple manner. “Seva Setu” is embodying this vision. This platform is a strong step towards making administration in Chhattisgarh more humane, transparent, and accountable. “Seva Setu” will undoubtedly play a key role in elevating the state’s digital administrative presence to new heights in the years to come.