Maharashtra govt to expand centres for faster citizen services, also provide doorstep delivery
Maharashtra government will expand the network of 'Aaple Sarkar Seva Kendras', Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar informed the Legislative Council on Wednesday. Shelar emphasised the decision aims to ensure faster and more convenient delivery of government services to citizens in both rural and urban areas.
He also announced an increase in charge for availing services at these centres from the current Rs 20 to Rs 50.
«To accelerate the digital transformation of Maharashtra, we are increasing the number of Aaple Sarkar (your government) Seva Kendras based on population and administrative needs,» he said. These kendras serve as service centres to provide a host of certificates and documents to citizens from government authorities such as those related to income, caste, birth, death, domicile, old age, below poverty line and non-creamy layer (for OBC candidates seeking quota benefits), among others.
As per the revised policy, villages with a population of less than 5,000 will now have two service centres instead of one.
Similarly, villages with over 5,000 people will have four centres instead of two. In Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) areas, the ratio will shift from one centre per 25,000 people to two per 12,500 people.
Other municipal corporations and councils will now have two centres for every 10,000 residents instead of one.
Talking about rural areas, Shelar stated that every Nagar Panchayat will now be allotted two service centres instead of one, while those with a population above 5,000 will have four such establishments instead of two.
Shelar announced an increase in service charges at these centres, citing inflation and other costs. «The current service fee of Rs 20 has remained unchanged