Karnataka to bring all citizen services online, under Sakala

The Karnataka government has issued comprehensive guidelines to bring all citizen services online under the Sakala framework, as per a government order. The Praja Seva Department, based on recommendations from the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission-2 (KARC-2), prepared these guidelines, which aim to make services more accessible, transparent, and time-bound. This includes mandating the digitization of services like licenses and certificates, and bringing them under the Sakala framework.

The guidelines call for a reduction in the time taken to deliver services, with many services being made instantly available at service counters. Aadhaar or mobile-based verification will be used for online services, and all certificates issued to citizens must be stored in DigiLocker. Departments are also required to refund fees for rejected applications automatically.

Digital payment modes, including UPI, are encouraged to reduce cash collection, and forms will be made available in Kannada to cater to non-English speakers.

Applicants will receive updates on application status via SMS and WhatsApp, and facilities in government offices will be improved with adequate seating, drinking water, and token systems for meeting officials. Time slots will be provided for hearings and appointments, and field inspections will be conducted transparently through mobile applications. The government has asked departments to submit compliance reports regularly.

These measures aim to reduce delays, repeated visits to government offices, and opportunities for corruption, according to Principal Secretary Harsh Gupta. The government hopes these initiatives will make public services more efficient and corruption-free.