CM Bhupendra Patel Receives GARC Report, Recommending Tech-Driven, Citizen-Centric Reforms

By A Staff Reporter

Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday received the third report of the Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission (GARC), chaired by former Union Finance Secretary Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, marking a significant step toward modernising governance through digital innovation and citizen-first principles.

The latest report focuses on enhancing transparency, administrative efficiency, and public service delivery in the state. It presents a wide-ranging set of technology-driven reforms, reinforcing the Gujarat government’s ongoing efforts to build an accessible, accountable, and responsive administration.

At the heart of the recommendations is a “Citizen First” approach, which aims to simplify bureaucratic procedures and make government services faster and more inclusive.

Key suggestions in the report include:

• Unified Scholarship Portal to centralise applications and disbursement for student financial aid

• Automated Pension System to streamline retirement benefits

• GIS Mapping of Government Assets for better resource planning and transparency

• QR Code-Based Bus Ticketing to digitise public transport fare systems

• Integration with DigiLocker for secure access to government documents

• Digital Service Books for government employees to replace manual records

• Dynamic Seniority Lists to ensure real-time accuracy in promotions and administrative decisions

Chief Minister Patel praised the commission’s work, stating that the recommendations are in line with the state’s vision for a future-ready, digitally empowered government. He affirmed that the government would examine the proposals closely and begin phased implementation wherever feasible.