Odisha to launch mobile app to deliver 18 essential certificates

The Odisha Revenue Department is set to launch a mobile app allowing citizens to apply for and obtain key certificates from home. With around 18 services available online, the move aims to end long queues, reduce corruption, and improve service delivery efficiency, sources said on Monday.

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According to sources, this is going to be a major digital push to enhance public convenience. The Department will soon launch a mobile application that allows citizens to obtain important certificates without visiting government offices. This was announced by Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, who confirmed that the app is ready and will be rolled out shortly.

Access to 18 crucial certificates

The mobile app will offer access to 18 crucial certificates, including caste, income, legal heir, and solvency documents. This marks a transformative shift in how these essential services are delivered, aiming to eliminate the need for repeated visits to tehsil offices.

Under the new and to-be-launched system, if a certificate is not issued within a specified timeframe, the responsible official will face penalties, including deductions from their salary. The government intends to enforce strict accountability to ensure timely service delivery.

Previously, the single-window system introduced by the former administration was often neglected by officials, leading to frequent delays and harassment of applicants. With the mobile app, authorities hope to close these gaps by putting the power directly in citizens’ hands.

Retired senior administrators, however, caution that the success of this initiative hinges on execution. Whether online or offline, each request is still handled by an officer who could delay services, citing various reasons.

The public remains hopeful. Many believe the app will reduce the burden on ordinary citizens, particularly those from rural and remote areas, who otherwise travel long distances for simple paperwork. Although an exact launch date has not been announced, anticipation is high.

Now, all eyes are on how swiftly the app becomes operational and how effectively it serves its purpose in real-world scenarios.

“There are around 17-18 essential services for which they (citizens) can apply through the mobile app. The tehsildars concerned will upload the certificates on the mobile app within the stipulated time. Applicants can lodge complaints against the revenue officials for any delay. Penalty amount will be deducted from the salary of those officials,” the Minister said.

Reported By: Chandrakant Jena, Rashmiranjan Das