The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced the launch of the Digital India Common Service Centre (DICSC) project, with initial implementation set to begin in Pilibhit and Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in rural India by providing citizens with accessible e-governance, financial, and commercial services.
4,740 Digital Centres to be Rolled Out
MeitY plans to establish 4,740 model DICSC centres in gram panchayats across 10 districts nationwide. As part of the DICSC rollout, Pilibhit will have 720 service centres, and Gorakhpur will see 1,273 centres set up. Other districts involved include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad, Maharashtra) with 870 centres, Chamba (Himachal Pradesh) with 309, Khammam (Telangana) with 589, Gandhinagar (Gujarat) with 288, Mamit (Mizoram) with 100, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) with 415, Leh (Ladakh) with 95, and Puducherry with 81 centres. This wide-reaching project aims to ensure digital inclusion across the country.
What is Digital India Common Service Centre?
The DICSC centres will serve as a one-stop solution for a variety of essential services, including Aadhaar registration, banking, financial planning, tele-law, telemedicine, education, and e-commerce support. Each centre will be equipped with high-speed broadband connectivity and modern infrastructure, designed to function as multi-functional hubs in rural areas. By providing these services, the project aims to empower village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) who will operate the centres, fostering economic growth and creating new job opportunities in rural areas.
MeitY has allocated a budget of Rs 31.6 crore for the DICSC project’s initial six-month phase, with the potential for an extension to nine months based on project outcomes. The project’s implementation and centralised technical monitoring will be handled by CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, ensuring efficient service delivery and sustainability. This centralised technical oversight will enhance transparency and service quality, supporting MeitY’s goal of establishing an integrated, accessible digital platform in rural India.
Digital empowerment for rural communities
In addition to the fixed DICSC centres, the project includes the deployment of GPS-enabled mobile vans. These mobile units will promote government schemes and provide essential services directly to residents in remote areas, helping to further extend digital access. These vans will be vital in delivering services to areas that are difficult to reach by conventional means, enhancing the reach and impact of the DICSC initiative.
The DICSC project reflects MeitY’s commitment to bringing digital empowerment and convenience to rural communities, helping citizens access critical services from their local centres. This initiative is expected to transform the digital landscape of these regions, promote economic growth, and provide essential digital services to underserved areas. By empowering local entrepreneurs and expanding job opportunities, MeitY aims to foster a more inclusive, digitally connected India through the DICSC initiative.