In a bid to improve accessibility and transparency in local governance, the Department of Panchayats has rolled out digital services in five village panchayats as part of its ongoing e-governance initiative.
The panchayats included in this phase are Alorna and Kasarvarne in Pernem, Bastora in Bardez, Batim in Tiswadi, and Chicalim in Mormugao. The initiative is designed to reduce the need for physical visits to panchayat offices by enabling citizens to access essential services online.
According to Panchayats Minister Satyavan Halarnakar, while the department eventually plans to offer 21 services digitally, several key services are already live. These include the issuance and renewal of trade licenses, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for electricity and water, income certificates, residence certificates, and character certificates.
“The aim is to make citizen services more efficient, transparent, and convenient,” said Halarnakar. He added that the department is committed to expanding the digital platform across more panchayats in the coming months.
The move has been welcomed by residents, particularly in remote areas, who say it will save time, reduce bureaucratic delays, and help streamline service delivery at the grassroots level.