MeitY Launches Digital India Common Service Center Project, Starting in Pilibhit and Gorakhpur
MeitY Launches Digital India Common Service Center Project, Starting in Pilibhit and Gorakhpur
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is embarking on a transformative initiative—the Digital India Common Service Center (DICSC) project—to bridge the digital divide in rural India and bring e-governance services to citizens in remote areas. This ambitious project will launch with model centers in Pilibhit and Gorakhpur, with plans to roll out across 10 districts in India.
DICSC Project Scope and Locations
The DICSC project will establish nearly 4,740 centers across 10 districts, with a model center in nearly every gram panchayat. Pilibhit will receive 720 centers, while Gorakhpur will have 1,273 centers. Other locations selected for the initiative include:
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra): 870 centers
- Chamba (Himachal Pradesh): 309 centers
- Khammam (Telangana): 589 centers
- Gandhinagar (Gujarat): 288 centers
- Mamit (Mizoram): 100 centers
- Jodhpur (Rajasthan): 415 centers
- Leh (Ladakh): 95 centers
- Puducherry: 81 centers
The centers will be managed by CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, which will be responsible for implementation and centralized technical monitoring.
Budget and Project Timeline
With a budget allocation of ₹31.6088 crore, the DICSC project is initially set for a six-month duration, with potential to extend to nine months. This structured timeline aims to ensure the prompt establishment of centers, which will offer essential digital services to rural citizens.
Core Objectives and Services Offered by DICSC
The DICSC project’s primary goal is to establish a comprehensive digital platform that offers essential e-governance, financial, and commercial services to rural populations. Each center will be equipped with high-speed broadband connectivity and modern infrastructure to support multiple services, which will include:
- Aadhaar registration and updates
- Banking and financial services, including financial planning
- Tele-law and telemedicine services to connect citizens with legal and medical resources remotely
- Educational services to promote digital literacy and e-learning in rural areas
- E-commerce support to encourage local trade and digital transactions
This array of services is designed to empower Village-Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), promote local economic growth, and create jobs in the digital sector. Each center is expected to serve as a multifunctional hub, giving rural citizens direct access to services that are otherwise difficult to obtain.
Mobile Vans and Outreach Efforts
To reach even the most remote areas, GPS-enabled mobile vans will be deployed under the DICSC project. These mobile units will actively promote government schemes and provide essential services directly to areas with limited infrastructure, extending the reach of the program beyond stationary centers.
Centralized Monitoring for Transparent Service Delivery
The DICSC centers will benefit from centralized technical monitoring managed by CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, which will enhance transparency and accountability in service delivery. This centralized system is designed to ensure a sustainable and user-friendly approach to e-governance, reducing instances of corruption and improving overall accessibility for rural citizens.
Impact on Local Communities and Economic Empowerment
The DICSC project is set to transform the digital landscape of rural India by:
- Empowering local entrepreneurs to run these service centers as VLEs, fostering new job opportunities and local businesses.
- Promoting inclusive growth by integrating rural populations into the digital economy.
- Improving access to essential services that contribute to better health, education, and financial literacy in rural areas.
Through this initiative, the MeitY aims to close the digital divide, enabling rural citizens to benefit from the same services as those in urban areas, thus ensuring inclusive growth and economic empowerment.
Conclusion
The Digital India Common Service Center project reflects the government’s commitment to providing equitable digital access, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and enabling economic growth at the grassroots level. By combining digital services with e-governance and financial inclusion, the project is poised to make a significant impact on rural communities, promoting digital literacy and empowering citizens across India.
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