In an effort to increase social inclusion and accessibility to government entitlements, the newly inaugurated Common Service Centre (CSC) at Chatiya Panchayat, Bihar, is creating waves of positive change within the community. This CSC is the second of its kind in Bihar under the esteemed Global Programme India of Caritas India, marking a remarkable milestone in bridging the gap and ensuring due entitlements to its citizens.

The CSC acts as a one-stop service point, offering a range of essential services, including the facilitation of government entitlements, information dissemination, and digital literacy. In an era where access to government schemes can often be cumbersome and time-consuming, this centre is transforming the lives of Chatiya Panchayat’s residents.
With the establishment of a new centre at Chaitya, 1950 families in Bihar’s Nawada and Chatiya Panchayats have benefited from accessing the Government scheme. This is no ordinary centre; it acted as a bridge, connecting these communities to essential Government Schemes that carried the potential for a more promising future. After 14 months since the establishment of the first CSC, the second centre was opened in Chatiya Ward 1 by Md. Hesamuddin Ansari on July 6, 2023.

Ms. Rukmani Devi, a senior citizen from Nawada, lauds the CSC’s impact on her life. She narrates her constant challenge to apply for an old-age pension at the block office. She shares, I made several efforts even before the inception of the programme but failed every time.” In my pursuit to find a solution, I reached out to DRR committee member Ms. Aftab Ansari. He asked her to provide an Aadhaar card and bank account details to initiate the pension application process.” After a thorough examination and correction of errors, the application was resubmitted. Rukmani Devi’s application for an old-age pension was swiftly processed at the block office, and her pension request was approved.

Ms.Rita Devi, a resident of Nawada Panchayat, further emphasises the transformational nature of the CSC. “Despite my multiple trips to the block office, I struggled to obtain my Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card. I have spent almost Rs. 600, apart from the loss of my daily wages. Mr. Aftab Ansari, the CSC operator, came to my rescue, and within 20 days, I received my ration card. Now, I am receiving rations from the PDS shop.”

These testimonies highlight the significance of these centres in overcoming hurdles and providing essential services to the community. The depiction of the CSCs as a beacon of hope or positive transformation, resilience, compassion, and empowerment effectively conveys the message of their positive influence.

The Global Program India project by Caritas India has strategically identified the importance of CSCs as a catalyst for socio-economic development in rural regions. This project aims to foster improved social inclusion by leveraging technology to break down barriers to accessing essential government services.

The inaugural of the CSC in Chatiya Panchayat comes as a testament to the commitment of organizations like Caritas India towards creating sustainable solutions for the upliftment of marginalized communities. As we witness the positive impact of the second CSC in Bihar, it is evident that this initiative is paving the way for a more equitable society. By bridging the gap between government entitlements and beneficiaries, the CSC stands as a symbol of progress and hope for rural India.