Karnataka orders all public services to go online under Sakala scheme

Karnataka has ordered every department to shift its licence, certificate and other public services to an online platform under the Sakala system. The move follows a set of guidelines drawn up by the Praja Seva Department after consulting the second Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission and signed off by the Chief Minister. Departments must now cut processing times, and where feasible issue certificates on the spot at service counters. Applicants will verify identity using Aadhaar or a mobile‑based method, and every issued document must be uploaded to DigiLocker. If an application is rejected, the fee will be credited back automatically. The guidelines push for cash‑less payments, naming UPI as a preferred channel. All forms that were previously only in English will also be released in Kannada. Status updates will be sent to users by SMS and WhatsApp. Office amenities are to be upgraded with enough seating and drinking water, and a token system will manage visits to officials while appointments will be pre‑scheduled in time slots. Field inspections will be recorded through dedicated mobile apps, and each department must send regular compliance reports. Principal Secretary Harsh Gupta said the steps are meant to curb long waits, multiple trips to offices and opportunities for corrupt practices.

Context

The Sakala framework guarantees time‑bound delivery of services, and DigiLocker provides a secure digital repository for citizens' documents. Moving forms to Kannada and using electronic payments aligns Karnataka with the broader Digital India push, aiming to make government interaction faster and less prone to abuse.