Computer And ICT Services Saralsewa Franchise Cost – How to get, Contact, Apply, Fee

Saralsewa emerges as a pivotal player in enhancing access to essential services, particularly in rural India. Based in Ranchi, Saralsewa is an ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) and financial inclusion company dedicated to making e-government services accessible to all citizens. The organization's ethos is encapsulated in its approach: technology as a facilitator, not merely an objective. This article explores the various projects initiated by Saralsewa, its innovative app, and its overarching impact on citizen services and financial inclusion. 

Vision and Mission 

Saralsewa is driven by a mission to enhance citizen engagement and ensure that the benefits of digital governance reach the most marginalized populations. The organization believes in the power of technology to simplify processes and reduce barriers to accessing vital services. By focusing on inclusivity and affordability, Saralsewa aims to create a more equitable society where every citizen, regardless of their background or location, can participate in the digital economy. 

Key Projects 

Saralsewa has implemented a range of impactful projects since its inception, focusing on various aspects of citizen services and financial inclusion. 

1. Common Services Centers (CSCs) 

Year: 2007-PPresent 
Main Features: The Common Services Centers project is one of Saralsewa's flagship initiatives aimed at establishing ICT (Information and Communication Technology) centers in rural areas. These centers serve as one-stop shops for citizens to access government services, information, and digital literacy training. The objective is to deliver services at affordable costs, thus bridging the urban-rural divide in service delivery. 

The CSC model has significantly empowered rural citizens by providing them with easy access to a plethora of services such as health, education, and government schemes. This initiative has transformed the way citizens interact with government agencies, enabling them to bypass traditional bureaucratic hurdles. 

2. E-Sakshatkaar (Jail Video Visitation Project) Year: 2009-22012 

Main Features: This innovative project was designed to facilitate virtual visits for relatives of jail inmates across Jharkhand through a LAN-based video conferencing solution. By reducing the need for personal visits, the project aimed to improve the communication between inmates and their families while ensuring safety and security. 

The E-Sakshatkaar project received the SKOCH award under the innovative project category in 2010, highlighting its importance in enhancing the prison system's transparency and improving the emotional well-being of inmates through sustained family contact. 

3. E-Nagarik Sewa 

Year: 2009-PPresent 
Main Features: E-Nagarik Sewa focuses on the digitization of citizen services by developing a coordinated system across district administrations in Jharkhand. This initiative enables the online issuance of various certificates, such as birth and death certificates, driving licenses, and land records, along with a tracking mechanism that keeps citizens informed about their applications. 

This project exemplifies how technology can streamline administrative processes and reduce bureaucratic delays, ultimately improving the efficiency of public services.

4. Panchayat Bank (Business Correspondent Model) Year: 2011-Present 

Main Features: Saralsewa pioneered an online model of business correspondent (BC) operations for major banks in Jharkhand. This model replaced the cumbersome Smart Card-POS system for delivering banking services in rural areas. By enabling an online kiosk banking model, Saralsewa facilitated greater accessibility to banking services. 

The Panchayat Bank model was officially adopted by the Government of India after its success in Jharkhand, marking a significant step towards financial inclusion for rural populations. The initiative won the National eGovernance Award in 2012-13 under the exemplary reuse of ICT category.

5. Commercial Tax Facilitation Centers (CTFC) 

Year: 2011-Present 
Main Features: Saralsewa established CTFCs to serve as facilitation centers across urban and semi-urban areas of Jharkhand. These centers assist citizens in e-registration and e-filing for commercial tax, simplifying the process for businesses and reducing the burden on tax administration. 

6. Right to Guarantee of Service 

Year: 2013 
Main Features: This initiative aims to ensure that citizens receive timely services from government departments. By establishing accountability and monitoring mechanisms, Saralsewa has worked to enhance the responsiveness of public services. 

Saralsewa App: A Revolutionary Tool 

The Saralsewa app represents a significant innovation in the realm of digital citizen services. This unique e-store enables doorstep delivery of a wide range of online services, making it easier for citizens to access government applications, banking services, job information, and educational resources from the comfort of their homes. 

Key Features of the Saralsewa App User-Friendly Interface: The app is designed to be intuitive, making it accessible even to those with limited digital literacy.

1. Wide Range of Services: From government applications to banking services, users can order various services online, which are then delivered by trained facilitators known as Saral E-mitras.
2. Empowerment of Local Youth: The Saralsewa app also creates entrepreneurial opportunities for local youth, allowing them to become facilitators and earn income by assisting their communities. 
3. Time-Saving Convenience: For urban citizens with busy schedules, the app offers a way to save time and avoid long queues in government offices. 
4. Rural Accessibility: The app aims to bridge the knowledge and infrastructure gap faced by rural citizens, enabling them to benefit from online services without the need for extensive IT skills. 

Partnership with RBL Bank 

To enhance financial inclusion, Saralsewa has partnered with RBL Bank to offer Aadhar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) services in rural areas. This partnership allows citizens to access a range of banking services without the need to travel to distant bank branches. 

Benefits of AEPS Accessibility: Citizens can conduct transactions using their Aadhar numbers, making banking services accessible to those without formal bank accounts. 

1. Convenience: With AEPS, individuals can perform transactions, check balances, and withdraw cash from local facilitators, ensuring that banking services reach even the most remote villages. 
2. Support for Local Entrepreneurs: By training local youth to become banking facilitators, Saralsewa fosters economic empowerment and creates jobs in rural areas. 

Impact and Recognition

The initiatives undertaken by Saralsewa have garnered significant recognition and accolades, underscoring their impact on citizen services and financial inclusion. By leveraging technology to simplify processes and enhance accessibility, Saralsewa has played a crucial role in transforming the way citizens interact with government services. 

Awards and Achievements

1. SKOCH Award: For the E-Sakshatkaar project, recognizing its innovative approach to improving communication in the prison system. 
2. National eGovernance Award: Received for the Panchayat Bank model, highlighting the successful implementation of a digital banking solution for rural areas. 
3. Thrive 30 by Nasscom: The Saralsewa app was recognized as one of the 30 best and most unique startup ideas, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize citizen services. 

Challenges and Future Directions

While Saralsewa has made remarkable strides in improving citizen access to services, several challenges remain. These include: 

1. Digital Literacy: Many rural citizens still lack the necessary digital skills to fully utilize online services. Continuous efforts in training and capacity building are essential. 
2. Infrastructure gaps: In some areas, internet connectivity and technological infrastructure remain inadequate, limiting the reach of digital services. 
3. Awareness: Raising awareness about the availability and benefits of these services is crucial for driving adoption. 

Future Initiatives 

Looking ahead, Saralsewa aims to expand its services further, focusing on:

1. Enhancing digital literacy programs: Collaborating with local communities to provide training and workshops on using digital services effectively. 
2. Expanding Service Offerings: Continuously updating the Saralsewa app to include more services and features based on user feedback. 
3. Strengthening Partnerships: Building alliances with more financial institutions and service providers to broaden the range of services available to citizens. 
4. Innovative Solutions: Exploring emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain to enhance the efficiency and security of citizen services. 

Saralsewa stands as a testament to the transformative power of technology in enhancing citizen engagement and financial inclusion. By bridging the gap between citizens and essential services, Saralsewa has redefined the landscape of e-governance in India. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, Saralsewa is not just a service provider but a catalyst for change, empowering individuals and communities to thrive in an increasingly digital world. As it continues to expand its reach and enhance its offerings, Saralsewa remains committed to its mission of making technology work for the common man, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.