Question

The portal started by Government of Kerala to get the services and proceedings of Gramapanchayat to public :

• A. Friends
• B. Citizen Portal
• C. E office portal
• D. Sampoorna Portal

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Citizen Portal

Understanding the Citizen Portal of Kerala Gramapanchayats

• The Citizen Portal is a significant e-governance initiative by the Government of Kerala.
• It serves as an online platform designed to provide various services and proceedings of the Gramapanchayats (village councils) directly to the public.
• The primary objective of this portal is to enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and increase accessibility of local self-government services for citizens.

Key Features and Services

• The Citizen Portal acts as a single-window access point, allowing citizens to apply for services, track the status of their applications, and obtain necessary certificates without the need for physical visits to the Gramapanchayat offices.
• Common services accessible through the portal typically include:
  • Applications for birth and death certificates.
  • Procedures for marriage registration.
  • Submission of building permit applications.
  • Facilitation of property tax payments.
  • Applications for trade licenses.
  • Mechanisms for grievance redressal.
• This digital approach significantly reduces bureaucracy and saves time for citizens.

Context and Significance for Competitive Exams

• The Citizen Portal is an integral component of Kerala's broader e-governance strategy, which aims at comprehensive digital transformation in the delivery of public services.
• It aligns with national initiatives such as Digital India, promoting a shift towards paperless and cashless transactions in government dealings.
• The development and management of such portals primarily fall under the jurisdiction of the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) of Kerala.
• The successful implementation of such digital platforms highlights the state's commitment to modernizing administrative processes and serving as a model for other states.

Related E-Governance Initiatives in Kerala (Important for Exams)

• Akshaya Centres: These are community-based common service centres established throughout Kerala by the State IT Mission. They play a vital role in bridging the digital divide by assisting citizens in accessing various e-governance services, including those offered by Gramapanchayats through portals like the Citizen Portal.
• e-District Project: Part of the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), the e-District project aims to deliver various citizen-centric services at the district level through a unified online platform, often integrating many Gramapanchayat services.
• SPARK (Service and Payroll Administrative Repository for Kerala): While distinct from citizen services, SPARK is another significant e-governance project in Kerala that manages the service and payroll records of government employees, showcasing the state's wide-ranging digitalization efforts.
• Kerala consistently ranks high in e-governance readiness and digital literacy indices, underscoring its proactive stance in adopting technology for public administration.