Karnataka Expands Bapuji Seva Kendras with 208 New Services

Villagers in Karnataka will soon gain access to an additional 208 government services at the Bapuji Seva Kendras located within their gram panchayats. This initiative aims to facilitate easier access to essential services without the need for residents to travel to urban centres for government-related tasks. The announcement was made by the state’s IT/BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister, Priyank Kharge.

The new services will complement the existing 81 available at these centres, streamlining access to government functions. This expansion is part of the broader vision outlined in the 2024–25 Budget, which seeks to consolidate all online services into a single platform for rural areas. The implementation of this initiative follows a signed agreement with the Directorate of Electronic Delivery of Citizen Services (EDCS).

Kharge emphasized the importance of the Seva Sindhu portal in this expansion. “Currently, more than 800 services from 46 departments are on the Seva Sindhu portal. Integrating them with Bapuji Seva Kendras will make it easier for people in rural areas,” he stated. This integration aims to transform gram panchayats into one-stop centres for critical citizen services.

The Seva Sindhu portal already provides a wide array of services, which are accessible at various centres including Grama One, Bengaluru One, and Karnataka One. With the addition of these services at the Bapuji Seva Kendras, residents will benefit from improved convenience and efficiency in accessing government support.

This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing service delivery in rural Karnataka, ensuring that citizens have better access to the resources they need. The government’s commitment to this expansion reflects an ongoing effort to bridge the urban-rural divide and promote equitable access to public services.