The Common Services Centres (CSCs) scheme on its second leg is likely to kick-start soon from this year in Odisha. And this time, the district administrations will be given permission to set up the centres under a Central scheme instead of through various private players.
The CSCs are a strategic cornerstone of the Digital India programme and are the access points for delivery of various electronic services to villages in the country, thereby contributing to a digitally and financially-inclusive society.
Under the scheme, 5,000 CSCs are already functioning in Odisha, say official reports.
Notably, three agencies, Srei Sahaj, Zoom Developers and BSF, were given the charge to set up CSCs in the State. These firms had taken moe than Rs22 crore from the Government to set up the centres in rural areas.
Sources say though 5,000 centres are operational in the State, the facts are somewhat different as in many areas the CSCs are found defunct due to lack of internet and power services.
Midway corrections are being taken up keeping the flaws encountered during the implementation of the first phase of the scheme in mind.
The authorities have decided to give a chance to the interested youths to set up CSCs through the district administrations in the second phase of the scheme.
The interested candidates are required to apply to set up CSCs at the district level. Following a proper verification of the applications, a final decision will be taken to allow them for the project.
There is a Cash Card system under the scheme for those who will set up the CSCs for which they will not have to approach banks many times for funds from the Government.
Notably, there are seven types of services including issuing of birth, death and residence certificates and land documents currently being provided through CSCs.
A process is also underway to make more services available in all the districts through CSCs under the e-District scheme, sources added.