Did GARC Submit Its 3rd Report to CM Bhupendra Patel, Focusing on Citizen-Centric Digital Governance?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission has submitted its third report to CM Bhupendra Patel, advocating a series of reforms for a more transparent and tech-driven governance. Key recommendations include a unified scholarship portal, an automated pension system, and improved public transport services, all aimed at empowering citizens in Gujarat.
Key Takeaways
- Unified scholarship portal for streamlined student aid.
- Automated pension system for immediate retirement benefits.
- Real-time bus tracking and feedback for improved public transport.
- Centralized portal for Government Resolutions enhances transparency.
- GIS mapping to optimize local governance and budget allocation.
Ahmedabad, June 23 (NationPress) The Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission (GARC) has delivered its third recommendation report to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Entitled 'Technological Governance for Empowered Citizens', this document presents a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at establishing a transparent, efficient, and technology-driven governance model within the state.
The report advocates for the integration of various student scholarship initiatives into a singular digital platform, named the Gujarat Unified Scholarship Portal, designed around the principle of “One Student – One ID - One Portal.” This approach seeks to enhance coordination across departments, eliminate redundancy, and alleviate the administrative load while ensuring prompt scholarship disbursement.
Regarding public transport, GARC has recommended implementing ticket purchases for government buses through QR codes and UPI, in addition to providing real-time bus tracking and feedback mechanisms to improve passenger experience. Furthermore, the Commission suggests linking government services with DigiLocker, granting citizens immediate digital access to official documents.
One of the most notable proposals includes a fully automated pension framework, where retiring government staff receive their pension deposits in their bank accounts the day after retirement, facilitated by digital verification and automated pension payment orders.
Moreover, the Commission proposes a digital service book for all government personnel, involving the digitization of historical records and educational or training credentials.
To enhance administrative transparency, the report recommends establishing a centralized portal for Government Resolutions (GRs), categorized by department and subject, to eliminate confusion. Additionally, a GIS-based mapping system for all government assets and services in villages and talukas is suggested to optimize budget allocation and minimize redundancies.
The report also envisions a mechanism to keep citizens continuously updated on the status of their applications—from submission to approval—through automated SMS and WhatsApp notifications, alongside trusted courier services to deliver official documents directly to citizens’ residences.
In terms of workforce management, GARC has urged the digitization of service records and the establishment of an e-Civil List for real-time employee data and seniority tracking. A satisfaction survey among Class 1 and Class 2 officers is also suggested to evaluate workload distribution and improve human resource strategies within the government.
Point of View
The GARC's third report signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing digital governance and citizen empowerment. The proposed reforms not only aim to streamline administrative processes but also focus on cultivating a culture of transparency and efficiency, thereby aligning with the broader national goals of good governance.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the 3rd GARC report?
The third GARC report primarily focuses on creating a transparent, efficient, and technology-driven governance framework in Gujarat.
What is the Gujarat Unified Scholarship Portal?
The Gujarat Unified Scholarship Portal is a proposed digital platform that consolidates various student scholarship schemes into one system, aimed at improving efficiency and coordination.
How will public transport services improve?
Public transport services will improve through the introduction of ticket bookings via QR codes and UPI, as well as real-time bus tracking.
What innovation is suggested for pension distribution?
The report suggests a fully automated pension system that allows retiring government employees to receive their pension the day after retirement.
What role does GIS play in the recommendations?
GIS is proposed to map government assets and services, enhancing budget allocation and reducing redundancies in local governance.
