Know All About Common Service Centres CSC Scheme

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Today we are going to talk about a digital service scheme that was launched by the Government of India to provide digital services to people living in rural areas. The name of this scheme is Common Service Centres (CSC Scheme) which is also known as Jan Seva Kendra Scheme. This CSC Scheme has helped the people of rural areas to know about the new schemes of the government and help in registration to get the benefits.

In this article, we have elaborated on the CSC in detail so please read the complete article.

What is Common Service Centres Scheme (CSC Scheme)?

The Common Service Centres (CSC) Scheme is a part of the Digital India Program launched by the Government of India to provide digital services and access to information and communication technology to citizens living in remote and rural areas of the country. The CSC scheme is also known as the Jan Seva Kendra Scheme.

Under the scheme, Common Service Centres are established at the village level to provide various digital services, including financial, health, education, and agricultural services, to the people living in rural areas.

The Common Service Centres Scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, and is operated by private companies under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The CSC scheme has been successful in providing essential services to people living in rural and remote areas. The scheme has expanded rapidly since its launch in 2006, and currently, there are over 4 lakh CSCs operating across the country. The government has also expanded the range of services provided by CSCs to include more than 300 services, making it easier for people to access essential services.

What are Common Service Centres (CSCs)?

In today’s world, technology plays a vital role in various fields, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and business. However, despite technological advancements, many people still lack access to essential services, especially those living in rural or remote areas. This is where Common Service Centres (CSCs) come into play. CSCs are a key component of the Digital India program, aimed at providing various government and private sector services to citizens in rural and remote areas through the use of technology.

CSCs are centres set up in villages, towns, and cities to provide essential public services such as agriculture, banking, insurance, pension, healthcare, education, and e-governance services to people.

The CSCs operate on a digital platform, making it easier for people to access essential services from anywhere in the country.

Who Managed the Common Service Centres (CSCs)?

Common Service Centres (CSCs) are managed by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), who are local individuals selected by the CSC operator to provide services to the public. The VLEs receive training to operate the CSCs and provide the necessary services. They also receive support from the CSC operator and the government in terms of equipment, software, and other resources required to run the CSCs.

Benefits of Common Service Centres (CSCs)

There are the following benefits of Common Service Centres (CSCs) :

• CSCs brought government services closer to people, making it easier for them to access essential services. For example, people living in remote areas can now access essential services like banking, agriculture, insurance, and healthcare, which were previously not available in their area.

• CSCs have also helped in reducing corruption by eliminating the need for middlemen, making the process more transparent and efficient.

• The CSCs have helped in empowering women in rural areas by providing them with training and employment opportunities as VLEs.

• CSCs help in promoting digital literacy in rural areas.

• CSCs provide training and support to people on digital technologies and tools, which has helped in improving digital literacy levels.

• CSCs help in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

Required Infrastructure to Start a Common Service Centre (CSC)

To start a Common Service Centre (CSC), a person needs to fulfill certain requirements and meet specific criteria. The infrastructure required to start a CSC centre includes :

1. A Suitable Location

A person needs to identify a suitable location to start a CSC centre. The location should be easily accessible, and it should be in a rural or remote area where people face difficulties in accessing essential services.

2. Computer Systems

A person needs to have at least one computer system to start a CSC. The computer should have a minimum configuration of Intel Pentium IV or higher, with 512 MB RAM and 120 GB hard disk. The computer should have a Licensed Windows XP-SP2 or above operating system. The computer should also have a CD/DVD drive, a color printer, a scanner, and a webcam or digital camera.

3. High-Speed Internet Connection

A high-speed internet connection is required to operate a CSC efficiently. The internet connection should have a minimum speed of 128 kbps.

4. Biometric Devices

A person needs to have a biometric device to provide services that require authentication. Biometric devices are used to capture fingerprints and iris scans.

5. Power Backup

A power backup system is required to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. This can be achieved through a UPS or a generator. A person needs to have at least 4 hrs. battery backup/Portable Genset.

6. Furniture and Office Equipment

A person needs to have furniture and office equipment such as tables, chairs, filing cabinets, and a reception desk.

7. Security

A person needs to ensure the security of the centre. This can be achieved through the installation of CCTV cameras, fire extinguishers, and other security measures.

8. VLE Training

A person needs to undergo VLE training to operate a CSC. The training is provided by the CSC operator or the government.

9. Bank Account

A person needs to have a bank account to receive payments from customers. The bank account should be linked to the CSC operator’s account.

How to Open a Common Service Centre (CSC)?

To open a Common Service Centre (CSC) firstly you have to become a certified Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE). For that, you have to Apply Online or Register Yourself at https://register.csc.gov.in/register and have to complete the process to get 12 Digit CSC ID.

To know the complete Registration Process for VLE, read the below-mentioned articles. You will get all the information in detail which will help you in the registration process.

1. How to Registration Online for VLE, Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required
2. What is TEC and How to Register Online for TEC Certificate Number

After completing the registration process successfully, you will become a certified VLE and will be given a unique 12 Digit CSC ID by the government.

Now you will be eligible and authorized to open your own CSC centre in your area.

What is Common Service Centres 2.0 Scheme?

Common Service Centres 2.0 Scheme (CSC 2.0 Scheme) is the upgraded version of the existing CSC Scheme that aims to transform the existing CSCs into ‘Digital Seva Kendras.’ The CSC 2.0 scheme was launched in August 2015 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. The scheme aims to expand the reach of digital services to every corner of the country, improve the quality of services, and make CSCs more sustainable and financially viable.

Objectives of Common Service Centres 2.0 Scheme (CSC 2.0 Scheme)

The objective of the Common Service Centres 2.0 Scheme are as follows :

1. To Expand the Reach of Digital Services

The CSC 2.0 scheme aims to expand the reach of digital services to every corner of the country, especially in rural areas where the penetration of the internet and other digital services is relatively low. It has aimed to set up at least one CSC in 2.50 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) across the Country.

2. To Improve the Quality of Services

The CSC 2.0 scheme aims to improve the quality of services provided by the CSCs by upgrading the digital infrastructure and information security framework.

3. To Make CSCs Financially Viable

The CSC 2.0 scheme aims to make CSCs financially viable by providing opportunities for the VLEs to earn a sustainable income through the provision of digital services.

4. To Encourage Women as VLEs

The CSC 2.0 scheme aims to encourage and provide opportunities for more women to become Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).

5. To Provide Access to Digital Finance

The CSC 2.0 scheme aims to provide easy access to banking and financial services, especially in rural areas, through the creation of a digital finance platform.

6. To Provide Single Point Access to Digital Services

The CSC 2.0 scheme envisages the establishment of a National e-Governance Service Delivery Gateway (NSDG), which will serve as a single-point access to all digital services offered through CSCs.

7. To Ensure the Safety and Security of Citizens’ Data

The CSC 2.0 scheme aims to create a digital infrastructure and information security framework that will ensure the safety and security of citizens’ data.

Overall, the CSC 2.0 scheme aims to transform the existing CSCs into Digital Seva Kendras that will provide a wide range of digital services to citizens in a reliable and efficient manner.

Conclusion

The Common Service Centre scheme has been a game-changer in providing essential services to citizens in rural and remote areas. The scheme has brought government services closer to people, reduced corruption, and promoted digital literacy in rural areas. With the expansion of services and an increase in the number of CSCs operating across the country, it is expected that the scheme will continue to have a significant impact on the lives of people in rural and remote areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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