The Himachal Pradesh government is taking proactive measures to bridge the digital divide in the state by opening 1,000 Lok Mitra Kendra in far-flung areas. This initiative aims to provide instant internet access to people and create employment opportunities for rural youth.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed the government's determination to make high-speed internet connectivity accessible to all, especially in rural areas that currently lack such facilities. The Lok Mitra Kendra centers will play a pivotal role in fulfilling this objective.
To ensure internet connectivity, a widespread optical fiber cable network will be laid across the state. The government is also committed to engaging with the relevant authorities to strengthen 5G services in the region. Adequate budget provisions have been made for these initiatives in the current financial year.
Chief Minister Sukhu also highlighted the creation of an 'Integrated Data Base Management System' within the next four months. This system will facilitate the direct benefit transfer (DBT) mapping of various welfare schemes across different departments, including agriculture, animal husbandry, labor, and employment.
The integration of data from the public distribution system (PDS), e-Kalyan, and other portals will be used to establish the 'Him Parivar' platform. This platform will contain information about family members, enabling efficient and streamlined government services.
Under the 'Him Parivar' initiative, each beneficiary will be assigned a Unique ID, eliminating the need for repeated visits to government offices. This system will reduce bureaucratic red tape and enhance the delivery of services to the citizens of Himachal Pradesh.
The decision to strengthen the Lok Mitra Kendra network will improve efficiency in various services, including the registration of birth and death certificates, revenue records, bonafide certificates, driving licenses, registration for educational institutions, examination form submissions, online job applications, and more.