The Common Service Centers (CSC) program, initiated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, is a cornerstone of the Digital India initiative. It aims to provide digital access to essential government and private services, empowering rural and underserved communities.
Updated On – 27 Dec 2024
CSC centers act as service delivery points for various areas like banking, insurance, healthcare, entertainment, and more. These centers promote a digitally and financially inclusive society by enhancing rural entrepreneurship and livelihoods.
CSC Special Purpose Vehicle (CSC SPV)
The CSC e-Governance Services India Limited is a special purpose vehicle established under the Companies Act, 1956. It monitors the nationwide implementation of CSC programs, ensuring their sustainability and efficiency while delivering services to citizens through a centralized collaborative framework.
CSC 2.0 Scheme
Launched in August 2015, CSC 2.0 aimed to expand and enhance CSCs by:
- Establishing over 2.5 lakh CSCs, one in each Gram Panchayat, within four years.
- Creating a unified technological platform for nationwide service delivery, focusing on G2C (Government-to-Citizen) services.
- Strengthening the existing 1 lakh CSCs to improve accessibility and efficiency.
History of CSC Locator in India
The CSC project, approved in 2006 as part of the National e-Governance Plan, operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The total project cost of ₹57.42 billion is shared by private institutions (70%) and the government (30%, split between central and state governments).
By January 2011, 88,689 CSCs had been established across states like Tripura, Sikkim, Kerala, and Haryana, among others. Progress in implementation continues nationwide.
Types of CSC Applications
- FPS (Fair Price Shops)
- FPO (Farmer Producer Organizations)
- RDD (Rural Development Department)
- CSC VLE (Village Level Entrepreneur)
- Self-Help Groups (SHG)
- Banking Services
- E-Shram
- NULM SHG (National Urban Livelihoods Mission SHG)
Functions and Features of CSC Centers
- Delivering private and government services.
- Building rural capacities and promoting entrepreneurship.
- Acting as a one-stop solution for multiple services, including G2C and Business-to-Citizen (B2C).
Structure of CSCs
- Service Center Agency (SCA): Establishes CSCs and chooses their locations.
- State Designated Authority (SDA): Oversees CSC implementation at the state level.
- Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE): Operates CSCs, typically covering six villages.
Services Provided by CSC Centers
Government-to-Consumer (G2C) Services
- Pension Services
- Aadhaar Enrollment and Updates
- PAN Card Services
- Passport Applications
- Birth/Death Certificates
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (IHHL Projects)
- E-Courts and Electoral Services
- Utility Bill Payments (Water, Electricity, etc.)
Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Services
- E-commerce (household goods, electronic items, etc.)
- Ticket Booking (IRCTC, bus, flight)
- DTH and Mobile Recharge
- Spoken English Courses
- Agriculture Services
Business-to-Business (B2B) Services
- Rural Data Collection
- Market Research
- IGNOU and NIELIT Registration
Digital Literacy Services
- NABARD Financial Literacy
- Investor Awareness Programs
- Adult Literacy Initiatives
Financial Inclusion Services
- Banking: Credit facilities, account management, and cash transactions.
- Insurance: Health, life, and vehicle insurance.
- Pension: Opening and managing NPS accounts.
Other Key Services
- FASTag Distribution: Collaboration with NHAI to provide RFID-based toll tags.
- Bharat Bill Pay: Unified platform for paying utility bills.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Housing applications for economically weaker sections.
- Soil Health Card: Assisting farmers with soil analysis and recommendations.
- FSSAI Registration: For food business operators.
- E-District Services: Permits, social welfare pensions, and more.
- Election Commission Services: Voter ID registration and corrections.
FAQs on CSC Locator
- What is a CSC locator? It is a tool to find nearby CSC centers equipped with the necessary infrastructure.
- How to register a CSC locator? Visit CSC Locator Registration Portal and fill out the required details.
- How to update a CSC locator? Log in to the CSC Locator Update Portal to make updates.
- Is a CSC center profitable? Yes, CSCs offer various income-generating services and opportunities.
- Can CSC centers update Aadhaar? Yes, Aadhaar updates can be processed at CSCs.
- What is the CSC ID? A unique ID assigned to registered CSCs, retrievable via Find My CSC.
Conclusion
The CSC initiative bridges the digital divide by providing accessible services to rural and underserved areas. Through its diverse offerings, CSC centers promote digital literacy, financial inclusion, and rural entrepreneurship, fostering a more equitable and digitally empowered India.