Akshaya Centres, a pioneering initiative launched in 2002 under the IT Mission, has been a beacon of hope for bringing government services online and closer to the people. Designed to streamline government processes and improve accessibility, these centres have proven to be a crucial bridge between citizens and administrative procedures. However, as time progresses and costs rise, the balance between service charges and sustainability has come under scrutiny.
Akshaya Centres were conceived as hubs equipped with at least 300 square feet of space and three computers, bringing essential government services directly to the public. Fast forward to the present, and these centres have expanded their capacity, now accommodating larger rooms, up to 10 computers, and dedicated staff to cater to the growing demand for their services.
In the past, the State IT Commission established pricing for 36 distinct services offered via Akshaya Centre . Among these, key services included:
· E-District Services for General Category: Priced at Rs 25
· Identity card application: Costing Rs 40
· Application to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund: Amounting to Rs 20
· Marriage registration: Charged at Rs 70
· Life Certificate issuance: Set at Rs 30
· PAN card acquisition: Valued at Rs 80
The service fee for Akshaya Centres was introduced in 2018, with the provision that it would be reviewed every two years. Despite the significant rise in expenses, the charges remained unchanged. For instance, the cost of a packet of paper was Rs 160 when the rates were initially set, but it has now escalated to Rs 300. This substantial increase in various costs has led to varying outcomes, with certain Akshaya centres recording substantial profits while others have encountered financial challenges.
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