Revolutionary Changes in Kerala Local Self-Government, 9 Lakh Files Cleared in One Hour: Minister M B Rajesh

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has witnessed major reforms in the functioning of its Local Self-Government Department under the present LDF government, with technology being used more effectively to speed up public service delivery, Local Self-Government Minister M. B. Rajesh said on Tuesday.

He said the department’s functioning has been comprehensively restructured to ensure faster services for the public. Highlighting the progress made in file disposal, the minister said nine lakh files were cleared within an hour, while close to thirty lakh files were disposed of within twenty-four hours. Systems have been strengthened to such an extent that holidays no longer disrupt the department’s operations, he added.

Referring to digital initiatives, Rajesh said the introduction of the K-SMART software has brought major improvements in the delivery of local body services. The platform enables fast and online issuance of certificates, including marriage and birth certificates, making procedures simpler and more efficient. He said Kerala is the only state in the country to have implemented such a comprehensive digital system in the local self-government sector.

The minister also pointed to the role of the call centre set up by the department, saying it has made access to information easier for the public. People can now obtain required details related to services through a single phone call, which has significantly eased day-to-day interactions with local bodies, he said.