Citizen-centric governance in Bengal through digital platforms is a revolution: CEO One India
The Statesman | 28 August 2025
Criticisms from her political opponents notwithstanding, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s various citizen-oriented initiatives that are being implemented through use of digital technology have gone down well among the stakeholders of digital world.
Ravanan N, executive director of the Bangalore-headquartered Dailyhunt, one of India’s largest aggregators of contents & CEO of One India, for one, said: “The initiatives of the Bengal chief minister in implementing citizen-centric governance in Bengal through digital platforms have truly created a digital revolution. Technology has become the bridge between people and the administration, and this vision is ensuring transparency, speed, and accessibility for every citizen.”
From much-hyped schemes like “Rupashree” and “Khadya Sathi” to “E-Samadhan”, the state government’s wide range of citizen-oriented initiatives have been transformed through the use of digital technology, benefitting millions of people across Bengal.
These initiatives are bridging the digital divide as well. Ravanan said that it is only through digital revolution, the Chief Minister’s vision of “good governance with a human touch” is being realised in Bengal. through the digital revolution in Bengal. The general sentiment among citizens is clear: digital initiatives are no longer limited to urban areas; they have reached villages and small towns, making development inclusive, transparent, and people-centric.
Bengal has clearly entered a new era of progress with these digital innovations, they think.
Senior government officials felt that in popular welfare projects initiated by the Chief Minister, sweeping changes are being noticed. Access to government services has been made digital, enabling citizens to obtain assistance more efficiently. For example, through “E-Samadhan”, people can now easily submit applications online for a variety of essential government services. This shift has strengthened transparency and accountability within the administration.
Keeping in mind the busy lifestyles of citizens, these government systems have been designed to save time and reduce unnecessary hurdles. Even villagers in remote areas are now able to access services quickly and without hassle.
Senior government officials felt that the integration of technology into welfare programmes has removed many long-standing inefficiencies. Services that once required lengthy paperwork and multiple office visits can now be accessed at the click of a button. This transformation has built greater trust in governance and has brought administration closer to the people. These digital initiatives have succeeded in making governance far more citizen-friendly, ensuring that people from all walks of life can connect seamlessly with administrative systems.