No more repeated document submissions: Kerala rolls out Digital-First governance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has approved a comprehensive administrative reform aimed at improving public service delivery and enhancing governance efficiency through the use of digital technology. Chief Secretary Vishwanath Sinha has issued orders approving the 'Digital-First' governance reform programme, which seeks to transition government offices to digital operations and paperless service delivery.

At present, both citizens and business owners are often required to submit the same information and documents repeatedly at multiple government offices. The new policy aims to eliminate such duplication by leveraging digital platforms, including DigiLocker. Under the reform, documents already available with one government department will be made accessible to other departments through secure digital sharing, enabling faster delivery of services without requiring applicants to repeatedly furnish the same records.

The government noted that many existing laws and rules are paper-based, requiring physical movement of files across multiple offices before decisions can be taken. This often forces citizens to visit government offices several times to complete a single service.

To address this, the government will implement a "Once-Only Principle" based on DigiLocker-enabled data sharing. Online application systems will be integrated with DigiLocker, allowing departments to access verified digital records directly. Where an authentic digital document is available, applicants will no longer be required to submit photocopies or self-attested copies of the same document.

The Once-Only Principle is intended to eliminate the need for citizens to submit identical information or documents to multiple government offices. The system will rely on foundational registers and trusted digital data, with the objective of removing unnecessary legal and administrative complexities.

Key features of the Digital-First governance model

• Online submission of applications.

• Online tracking of application status.

• Digital communication between citizens and government departments.
• Greater use of self-service systems.
• Paperless delivery of government services as the standard practice.
• All government departments will review their services and procedures and recommend reforms.
• Necessary amendments to laws and rules will be introduced.
• The Kerala Technological University will provide technical support for implementing the reforms.

Obsolete laws to be repealed

As part of the wider governance reform, the government will also review the legal framework by repealing or amending obsolete, redundant and conflicting laws.

Priority will be given to reforms in the revenue, industries, labour, urban development and environment sectors.

The government also plans to harmonise conflicting legal provisions, simplify legal language, reduce unnecessary litigation and administrative disputes, and introduce legislation to repeal or consolidate outdated laws.