Project Description
This programme is a web-enabled citizen interface implemented by the government of Himachal Pradesh. It involves the setting up of a number of Soochanalayas (citizen information centres) which offer public services like classified complaints, marriage certification, market rates etc.

Project Objectives
Better dissemination of information, efficiency in grievance redressal and creation of public awareness are a few of the objectives of Lokmitra. Employment generation and reduction in response time by concerned departments are other goals that it hopes to achieve.

Intended Beneficiaries
It has been created for the benefit of the rural poor who have to visit government offices to copy documents or register complaints.

Partners Involved
District Administration, NABARD, NIC and National Informatics Centre Services Incorporated are the partners involved.

Impact: Costs and Benefits
The state government, through NABARD, has funded it. Lokmitra has generated an income stream for the Soochaks (operators). The indirect benefits are the creation of awareness among people, better dissemination of government information and employment generation.

Lessons Learned
For G2C projects it is important to design last mile connectivity in advance. Once the project faces bad publicity due to poor response, the credibility of the entire scheme is compromised. Such projects should also have a monitoring mechanism involving NGOs and communities at large.

Constraints/Challenges
Connectivity is a major problem in the smooth execution of this project. Delayed response to public grievances also leads to bad publicity. A third obstacle is the high dependence on administrative officers for the implementation of the project.

Sustainability Factors
Lokmitra will be implemented in the entire state as a G2C (Government to citizen) interface and will cater primarily to the rural public.

Recommendations
It is essential to standardize the software as people in most states have the same kind of problems. It is important that the citizens be able to complete simple transactions online even if they do so through the Soochaks.

Project or Related URLs:

http://himachal.nic.in/lokmitra