Kerala introduces K-Smart, a digital solution designed to optimize local self-government operations.
The Local Self-Government Department’s application was created by the Information Kerala Mission. Technological developments have always made it possible for people to undergo profound personal change and to reshape the governance environment. Public-government interactions are now more transparent and seamless thanks to e-governance initiatives and Smart Government offices. Kerala has always been at the forefront of embracing these kinds of quick changes. Through Local Self Government Institutions, the state government is now making a significant technological advance to start a new wave.
The “K-SMART” (Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation) project aims to offer every individual, from birth to death, the greatest number of services via an online platform. Its goal is to improve the Local Self Government Institutions’ overall operational efficiency and transparency in terms of managing their daily operations and service delivery. The Local Self-Government Department’s application was created by the Information Kerala Mission. This citizen-centric service delivery platform, based on constitutional values, is set to launch to the public on January 1, 2024. K-SMART seeks to offer a wide range of services to both individuals and service providers, such as private-local businesses, Akshaya centers, and staff.
Online submission of applications and grievances for services is available, as is online tracking of their status. An integrated messaging system that can be accessed through email, WhatsApp, and the applicant’s login page, enables applicants and complainants to receive acknowledgments for their applications and complaints. Application fees, taxes, and other charges can be paid online via the e-payment system. Online certificates that are reliable and genuine can be downloaded. Services are timely and not limited by location. After safely preserving the documents in the login, the complainant or applicant can retrieve them for upcoming needs.
Kadambas’re Help Desks, Akshaya Centers, and other service providers offer services with low service fees. All Local Self Government Institutions will follow statutory and uniform protocols. The shift from a governance system that is file-centric to one that is data-centric. The establishment of a governance structure that successfully satisfies the needs of the public makes transparent and corrupt-free government possible. Workers only need to log in once to finish completing a variety of tasks. Decisions regarding files can be made at any time, even on holidays, if necessary. Staff members use their unique login credentials to document best practices at work. Supervisors of offices can also spot infractions of best practices and take appropriate action against those responsible.
35 modules in K-SMART combine the functions of Local Self Government Institutions with the services they provide to both urban and rural communities. For the convenience of the public, all these features have been combined into a single online platform. K-SMART is capable of adapting to a wide range of technological disciplines, including AI/GIS/Spatial Data, Blockchain, Chatbots, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Message Integration, Machine Learning, AI/Data Science, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and the Internet of Things. A harmonious convergence of various technological aspects is produced by this integration. Strong backend support is provided by K-SMART to guarantee smooth services.
It will be introduced in eight modules during the first phase.
1) Civil Registration (Birth, Death, Marriage Registration)
2) Business Facilitation (Licenses for trade and industries)
3) Property Tax
4) User Management
5) File Management System
6) Finance Module
7) Building Permission Module
8) Public Grievance Redressal
K-SMART services will be accessible in corporations and municipalities throughout the state during the first phase. The services will then be available to every grama panchayat. The transition of services from ILGMS to K-SMART will happen gradually.