The Union Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has unveiled a significant digital initiative called the e-Chhawani portal. This innovative platform is designed to transform the way residents of Cantonment areas interact with their local civic bodies by enabling them to address and resolve complaints related to civic issues from the comfort of their homes.
Introduction of e-Chhawani Portal
The e-Chhawani portal marks a milestone in digitizing the services provided to residents of Cantonment Boards. With over 20 lakh citizens residing in 62 Cantonment Boards across India, the portal aims to streamline the process of addressing civic concerns through a user-friendly online system. The platform functions as a multi-tenancy central hub where various municipal services can be accessed electronically.
Services Offered by e-Chhawani
Residents within the cantonment zones will benefit from the wide range of services that e-Chhawani offers. The portal simplifies the process of registering complaints about civic issues, making it easier for users to get their problems addressed without the need to physically visit local administrative offices. Moreover, the portal provides access to essential documents and applications such as trade licenses, lease renewals, mobile toilet locators, water and sewerage connections, and certificates for birth and death. It also facilitates applications for sewerage connectivity, further enhancing the convenience for the residents.
Development and Collaboration
The creation of the e-Chhawani portal is a result of collaborative efforts between various agencies. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE), the eGov Foundation, and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) have all played pivotal roles in developing this comprehensive platform. Their joint expertise has been instrumental in ensuring that the portal is robust, secure, and capable of meeting the diverse needs of the cantonment dwellers.
Advancing Smart Governance
The launch of the E-Chhawani portal is a significant leap towards smart governance. By offering citizen-centric services through an online platform, the portal aligns with the broader vision of digital India, where technology is leveraged to improve the quality of life for its citizens. The e-Chhawani portal not only enhances transparency and accountability but also promotes efficiency in the management of cantonment areas.
This initiative is expected to lead to a more responsive and responsible governance model, where the focus is on addressing the needs of the residents swiftly and effectively. With the e-Chhawani portal, the government demonstrates its commitment to harnessing digital solutions to serve its citizens better and to pave the way for a more connected and empowered society.