Gujarat’s Digital Seva Setu Revolutionizes Rural Service Delivery

By A Staff Reporter

Gandhinagar — In a major stride towards digital governance, Gujarat’s Digital Seva Setu initiative has emerged as a model for last-mile service delivery, transforming the way essential public services reach rural communities. Launched in October 2020 under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership and aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India mission, the initiative integrates technology and governance to empower villages across the state.

Powered by BharatNet high-speed internet connectivity, Digital Seva Setu is operational in all 14,112 Gram Panchayats, offering an impressive 321 citizen services — ranging from income and caste certificates to social welfare schemes — at a nominal cost of ₹20. In just two years, more than 61 lakh citizens have accessed these services.

With over 1.57 crore total beneficiaries, the program not only increases transparency and curbs corruption but also creates local employment through Village Computer Entrepreneurs (VCEs), who serve as digital facilitators.

Officials say the platform’s real-time processing, electronic verification, and doorstep availability have significantly reduced bureaucratic hurdles and travel for villagers. “This is true decentralization,” said a senior state IT officer. “People no longer have to travel to district headquarters. Everything is available at their doorstep.”