Fifth report of Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission submitted to CM Bhupendra Patel

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], October 29 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has envisioned creating a new chapter for Viksit Gujarat@2047, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, by implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Nagarik Devo Bhav' (Citizen First) approach through digital good governance in the state.
According to an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), to realise this vision, the Chief Minister established the Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission (GARC) under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister's Principal Advisor, Dr Hasmukh Adhia, to introduce necessary reforms in the administrative structure and functioning of the state government.
GARC has so far submitted four reports to the state government, with 34 recommendations currently at various stages of implementation. The fifth report, containing 12 key recommendations, was presented to the Chief Minister on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister has envisioned making citizen-centric services simple, efficient, and easily available through digital transformation and the extensive use of technology. The latest GARC report aligns with this vision and recommends adopting the "One State - One Portal" framework. In Gujarat, recognised as a model state for good governance, the report aims to strengthen the vision of 'Government at the Doorstep of the Citizen' by making all government services accessible through a single digital platform with just one click.

The report recommends creating systems that help citizens access all services with a single user ID through the Single Sign-On (SSO) system. It also suggests linking the data provided once with Aadhaar or DigiLocker so that the same information can be automatically used for various services. This approach will free citizens from repeatedly submitting the same details and help realise the goal of 'Give information once - get benefits repeatedly'.
A key recommendation in the report is the development of the Digital Gujarat 2.0 portal, designed to establish a completely digital working system and ensure smoother communication between the government and citizens.
The report also advises shifting from reactive to proactive governance by anticipating citizens' needs. It proposes introducing a smart alert system to automatically extend social welfare schemes and lifecycle-based guidance to eligible citizens, without the need for separate applications.

The report recommends establishing an end-to-end digital workflow for key citizen services. It suggests that applications, approvals, and status updates be made available in real time to enhance transparency, speed, and accountability. The report also envisions achieving the goal of 'Less Paper - More Facilities' by introducing standardised forms and eliminating unnecessary documents and stamps.
GARC has proposed modernising all Jan Seva Kendras (JSKs) across Gujarat, reducing waiting times, setting up guidance desks at every centre, and creating a more citizen-friendly environment, aligning with the government's Citizen First approach.
It further recommends strengthening the role of Village Computer Entrepreneurs (VCEs) in rural areas and improving service delivery in urban regions through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for zone-wise operations.
Under the Right to Citizen Public Service Act, the Commission also recommends establishing a structured process for regular audits and updating the Citizen Charter.
Additionally, the report emphasises ensuring 'Ease of Governance' through measures such as appointing additional staff in Jan Seva Kendras, providing employee training, and maintaining clarity in civil service hours.
Dr Hasmukh Adhia, Chairman of the Commission, stated that this report goes beyond technology and introduces a new culture of good governance, placing citizens at the core and aligning with the Prime Minister's vision of 'Nagarik Devo Bhav.'
He noted that this initiative will usher Gujarat into a new era of digital good governance. Guided by the mantra 'Sarkar Pahochshe Nagrik Sudhi, Nagrik Nahi Sarkar Sudhi' (The government will reach out to the citizens instead of citizens having to reach the government), Gujarat will achieve a major transformation in citizen-centric services under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The report was submitted to the Chief Minister in the presence of Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister M. K. Das, Advisor to the Chief Minister S. S. Rathore, Principal Secretary of the General Administration Department Hareet Shukla, and Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Avantika Singh, Secretary, Dr. Vikrant Pandey, Secretary of the Planning (GAD) Department, and Ardra Agarwal. (ANI)