The CSC scheme is an integrated e-governance project that aims to use an e-platform to provide all Government information & services to rural and urban masses under one roof through kiosks known as Common Service Centers (CSCs). The scope of services that can be provided through CSC is not limited to State Government domain but also include services of Central Government Departments as also that of private/public sector organizations like LIC, BSNL, Mobile phone service providers, Internet Café and many more. In private domain, CSCs may provide services like Ticket Booking, Gram Haat, Tele-Medicine, Tele-education, Internet Access, Insurance, Cable TV etc.

Through Lok Mitra Kendra, Government of Himachal Pradesh in partnership with GNG has taken the initiative of changing lives of rural people of Himachal Pradesh. GNG will be setting up 2070 Common Service Centers (CSC) called “Lok Mitra” in Shimla, Sirmour, Solan and Kinnuar of the Shimla Division and Mandi, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kullu, and Lahul Spiti of Mandi divisions of the state. The Lok Mitra is an extension of the district level e-governance projects. Successful implementation of the project will also lead to the creation of more than 5000 jobs across the state and is expected to give a fillip to IT and IT enabled services across the state.

The centers will provide several facilities like getting a Driving License, Cast Certificate, Revenue Records, Telephone and Electricity Bill Payments etc. within the villages, saving a lot of travel time and cost of the villagers. For example getting a Cast Certificate presently one is required to go to the Tehsildar’s office and the number of rounds he would have to make is not sure. After the Lok Mitra is set up, the same can be taken from here after paying certain transaction charges that would certainly cost lesser than the travel time and cost on transportation otherwise spent.

Importance of Lok Mitra in the Himachal Pradesh Economy :

    A number of Government services will be available at the doorsteps of people for the first time.

    Rural people will be able to buy products and avail different types of services from these CSCs, which was earlier unthinkable.

    As these CSCs will be heavily involved in e-learning, millions will be able to learn English, computers and other soft skills, which will enable them to get into the jobs galore.