Gramin Mitra Transforms Rural Governance in Goa, Delivers Services to Over 25,000 Doorsteps

Team Goemkarponn

PANAJI: Long queues, repeated visits to government offices, and lost wages have long been the norm for rural Goans seeking basic government services. But a quiet revolution is now unfolding—one that is bringing governance right to the doorsteps of citizens across the remotest corners of the state.

Thanks to the Gramin Mitra Yojana, launched by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C), Government of Goa, the state is redefining rural service delivery. Through this initiative, essential government services—once mired in red tape and travel—are now being delivered directly to citizens’ homes.

Designed to empower senior citizens, women, students, and those in far-flung areas, the program enables individuals to access vital documentation like Residence, EWS, and Caste certificates or to apply for welfare schemes such as the Kala Samman Scheme—without stepping out of their homes.

The impact is tangible.

Sneha Salgaokar from Sankhali, who used the service for her father, shared, “We used to run to the Panchayat office multiple times, face delays, and waste time. Now, documents arrive at our home—smooth, easy, and hassle-free.”

For Sheetal Malik, an elderly resident of the same town, Gramin Mitra was a lifeline. “I can’t walk much, so visiting government offices was impossible. The team came home and helped me get my Life Certificate. It was a pleasant experience—I felt truly cared for.”

The initiative operates in collaboration with CSC e-Governance, with local Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) taking services deep into rural communities. A dedicated helpline (14471), functional every day from 8 AM to 8 PM, helps citizens initiate requests with minimal digital know-how, ensuring inclusivity.

The numbers speak volumes. In 2024 alone, over 1.15 lakh service requests were logged under Gramin Mitra. And by mid-2025, more than 25,000 services have already been successfully delivered—a testament to growing public trust and the program’s effectiveness.

Nandraj Naik, a beneficiary from Pernem, echoed this sentiment. “I received both my Divergence and Residence certificates at home, without a single visit to any office. It’s a time-saver and makes governance feel personal.”

Beyond just certificates, the initiative is reshaping how citizens engage with the government. By breaking down digital and bureaucratic barriers, Gramin Mitra is not just a tech solution—it’s a human one.

From Pernem to Canacona, the initiative is steadily building a new narrative for Goa—one where governance is inclusive, responsive, and rooted in service. As the state forges ahead as a destination for tech and innovation, projects like Gramin Mitra show how digitisation can be both empowering and empathetic.

In a country where government processes are often associated with inefficiency, Gramin Mitra stands out as a model for accessible, citizen-centric governance—one doorstep at a time.