64 sewa kendras to be shut in the district

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, May 26

As per a notice issued by the Punjab State e-Governance Society (PSeGS), the Department of Governance Reforms, a total number of 64 sewa kendras, one from Type 2 which is located at New Rajan Colony, near leather complex and 63 centres from Type 3 have been ordered for closure.

The Department of Governance Reforms has issued the notice to all cities of the state, informing the general public that as per the decision taken by the Government of Punjab, the citizen services from 700 sewa kendras all over the state would be discontinued with effect from May 26.

At present, a total of 140 sewa kendras are running in Jalandhar district, of which 108 are located in rural areas. The decision is likely to affect a majority of centres in the villages. Type 1 is the main office located in the DC office, Type 2 includes 31 Sewa Kendras set up at urban locations of the city and remaining 108 of Type 3 are in rural areas, having only single operator IN each such centre.

The department of Governance Reforms in the letter states, “No service will be offered from the mentioned sewa kendras from May 26. The general public is hereby advised not to apply for any fresh service request through these sewa kendras.”

The government has been claiming that the kendras, which were also recognised as the dream project of the previous SAD government, are running in losses. Hence, the decision has been taken to cut down on the expenditure of the government.

Jasbir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), said that a notice had been received and as per directions from the department of Governance Reforms, the SDMs and the other concerned authorities have been assigned the duty to ensure the closure of 64 sewa kendras from May 26.

He further said, “Though for now the order has been received for 64 sewa kendras, more centres will be added to the list for closure in the coming days. Only 30 to 35 centres will remain functional.”