PANAJI
Scripting a new chapter in services delivery, the Pramod Sawant administration on Saturday launched its 'Gramin Mitra' initiative on the ground for rural Goa, to roll out doorstep delivery of government services.
Tourism and IT Minister, Rohan Khaunte put the system in motion, interacting with beneficiaries and the 'gramin mitras' from across the State via video-conferencing.
Eight individuals successfully received the government services at their doorstep on Saturday, all of who alongwith the 'gramin mitras' expressed their gratitude to the administration.
Some 179 services related to some 27 State government departments are covered under the initiative which hopes to reduce red-tape and corruption related delays faced by citizens in availing these services.
In the first phase, already 116 male and 55 female gramin mitras have been mapped across rural areas and some in areas under the jurisdiction of civic bodies.
Khaunte said, the initiative is an extension of the 'Sarkar Tumchya Dari' programme initially intended to deliver good governance to people.
"From the cities to the villages, we will have Gramin Mitras everywhere who will help reduce digital divide between urban and rural populatons," Khaunte said.
To avail these services, citizens need to call the Helpline Number 14471 between 8 am and 8 pm. The Call Center Executive then assists in mapping the nearest 'Gramin Mitra' to book the appointment. The latter will then call the citizen and understand the requirements before issuing instructions to keep the necessary documents ready.
The Gramin Mitra will then visit the citizen's home as per the appointment schedule, and collect/scan all the requisite documents, upload them on the e-district portal and collect the approved charges.
Following backhand verification of the uploaded documents by the respective department the service (document) applied for will be physically delivered by the gramin mitra.