In a significant move to enhance citizen convenience and reduce overcrowding at government offices, the Delhi administration has finalized plans to make 68 essential public services available through Common Service Centres across the city.
Expanding Service Access Points
The Delhi government has identified 68 frequently used public services that will soon be accessible at over 4,000 Common Service Centres (CSCs) throughout the capital. This strategic decision aims to make government services more reachable while substantially decreasing the daily footfall at district offices that typically process thousands of applications.
An official familiar with the development confirmed that "the integration is in the final stage" and is expected to be operational by the end of this year. The selected services represent the most commonly used offerings from the approximately 450 services available on Delhi's e-district portal.
Comprehensive Service Portfolio
The extensive list of services includes multiple essential certificates and documents that citizens regularly require:
- Ration card corrections and updates
- Various certificates including birth, death, caste, income and solvency
- Old-age and disability pension applications
- Student scholarship processing
- Approvals for installing lifts in residential buildings
These centres will be particularly beneficial for senior citizens, daily-wage earners, and individuals with limited digital literacy who require guided support to navigate government procedures. The official emphasized that this step aims to "reduce delays and ensure uniform service delivery" across different regions of Delhi.
How Common Service Centres Operate
Common Service Centres, established by the central government under the Digital India initiative, function as government-approved private service points located within neighborhoods. For a nominal fee of Rs 30 per service, these centres help citizens access various digital and government services.
Also known as Jan Seva Kendras, these facilities already assist people with services such as:
- PAN card applications
- Aadhaar updates at selected centres
- Online applications for voter IDs and driving licences
- Basic banking services and bill payments
The centres serve as a reliable interface between citizens and government systems, especially for those unfamiliar with online processes, living far from government offices, or wishing to avoid long queues.
Implementation Timeline and Process
The proposal has been forwarded to the law and finance departments for final approvals. Once cleared, the Delhi government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with CSC SPV, the specialized company created by the central government to manage, operate, and monitor all CSCs nationwide.
Following the MoU execution, the centres will receive login credentials to access the e-district portal, enabling them to process the 68 designated services. This integration represents a major step in Delhi's ongoing efforts to digitize governance and make public services more citizen-friendly.
The widespread network of Common Service Centres, combined with their extended service portfolio, is expected to transform how Delhi residents interact with government agencies, bringing essential services closer to their homes while reducing the administrative burden on traditional district offices.
