Come August, Delhiites will get crucial government-certificates delivered at doorstep
After months of dilly-dallying, Delhi Government is finally ready to introduce its ambitious "doorstep delivery of key services" by July-end. The scheme will offer 40 services across eight government departments, including delivery of caste certificate, marriage registration, birth and death certificates, driving license, old-age pension, and new water or sewer connections, among others. This is expected to bring transparency in functioning of government services.
How will the doorstep delivery work?
To avail the service, one has to call on the government helpline number. A facilitator (mobile sahayak) shall be assigned who will collect the documents, complete the formalities and deliver the certificate at one's doorstep. Not all services will be offered under the scheme but the government plans to include more services on a monthly basis once the scheme rolls out successfully.
Three interested bidders, one chosen, file awaiting finance department's approval
For hiring the facilitators, Delhi Government had invited tenders from private agencies. Through that, three bids were received, out of which one has been finalized, said an official. The file is awaiting the finance department's approval, post which the tenders will be allotted next-week. The delivery services might be available for a minimum charge of Rs. 50, but that's yet to be finalized.
Facilitators to work through call center, software to be developed
Explaining further how it'd work, the official said the finalized agency will be given six weeks to prepare the software interface that'll establish a link with the government websites. All of the facilitators will operate through a call center, where the beneficiary can call up and avail the services by fixing an appointment. The particular number has not been decided yet, he added.
Like several other schemes, this too led to LG-AAP fight
Like several other schemes, this one too resulted in a tiff between LG Anil Baijal and the AAP-led government. After giving its nod in November 16 last year, the Delhi Cabinet sent the file to Baijal, who returned it in December, suggesting changes. He asked to focus on "digital delivery" of services. This irked Manish Sisodia, who accused Baijal of protecting a corrupt system.
LG agreed when assured of strengthening online mechanism
Baijal finally approved the scheme in January, after the government guaranteed him that work to strengthen the online mechanism will be carried out too. Meanwhile, resident welfare associations (RWA) have welcomed the move, saying that this will save time and money of the citizens. "People have to wait for hours to get their work done. It's a good move," said BS Vohra, RWA member.
