Chhattisgarh CM launches upgraded Seva Setu portal to expand digital access to govt services

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday launched the upgraded version of the e-District project, Seva Setu, which aims to improve access to transparent and efficient digital citizen services under the Public Service Guarantee Act. The platform is developed by the Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society CHiPS.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday launched the upgraded version of the e-District project, 'Seva Setu', which aims to improve access to transparent and efficient digital citizen services under the Public Service Guarantee Act. The platform is developed by the Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHiPS). The Chief Minister said the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence will make digital citizen services more effective. He said Chhattisgarh has made steady progress in digital governance, from the CHOICE model launched in 2003 to the e-District system in 2015, and now to 'Seva Setu'. The platform has emerged as a key tool for citizen empowerment and has benefited lakhs of people. Sai added that 'Seva Setu' now offers 441 government services on a single portal, including 54 new services and 329 redirected services. ''Information on services will also be available through WhatsApp. More than 3.2 crore transactions have been carried out so far, with a similar number of certificates issued, including key documents such as income, caste, residence, ration card, and marriage registration. With integration of more than 30 departments, the platform has developed into a strong one-stop solution,'' Sai said. The chief minister expressed confidence that 'Seva Setu' will further strengthen good governance, transparency, and citizen-centric administration. The project is being managed at the state level by CHiPS, while implementation at the district level is carried out through District e-Governance Societies (DeGS) under the leadership of district collectors. ''The upgraded system integrates technologies such as artificial intelligence, Aadhaar, WhatsApp, and Bhashini. Citizens will be able to apply for services, track application status, and receive digital certificates through WhatsApp. ''The platform is also integrated with Aadhaar-based e-KYC, DigiLocker, e-Pramaan, and UMANG to make services more accessible and secure. Besides, integration with treasury and e-challan systems will enable online payments and instant digital receipts,'' an official said. He added that benefits under various schemes will be transferred directly to bank accounts through DBT, with real-time tracking available via SMS and WhatsApp. Additional features include QR code-based certificate verification, cloud storage, digital signatures, real-time dashboards, and MIS reporting. The portal is available in 22 Indian languages, he added. The official said, under the Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011, provisions such as automatic penalty calculation, timeline indicators, and auto grievance registration have been introduced to ensure the timely delivery of services, strengthening accountability and transparency. ''To ensure wider access, more than 800 public service centres, over 1,000 CHOICE centres, and more than 15,000 Common Service Centres are operational across the state, enabling citizens to access services with ease,'' he added. 'Seva Setu' platform uses artificial intelligence to simplify the application process and reduce technical barriers, helping bring services closer to citizens. Through the WhatsApp interface, users can apply for services, receive acknowledgements and document links, and obtain digitally signed certificates. Currently, these features are available for 25 services and will be expanded further. Security measures include QR-based verification, captcha, OTP, and email authentication. Aadhaar-based e-KYC and integration with DigiLocker and e-Pramaan ensure secure access, he said. With support from Bhashini, the portal is available in 22 languages, enabling citizens to access services in their preferred language. Citizens can avail services through the web portal, public service centres, CHOICE centres, or Common Service Centres, and provide feedback to help improve the system, the official added.