Hon’ble Minister for Local Self-Government, Excise and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri M.B. Rajesh stated that digital innovation in the state’s local bodies will be implemented more efficiently by leveraging advanced technology. He was speaking at the launch of the revamped website of the Local Self-Government Department at the KTDC Mascot Hotel. The minister also announced a single WhatsApp number for filing complaints against corruption, aiming to make local bodies corruption-free.
Kerala is set to become the first state in the country to fully digitize local body services. Starting April 10, a unified software will be deployed across all local bodies and three-tier panchayats. The minister emphasized that modernization efforts will enable citizens to access all local body services from anywhere in the world via a smartphone, eliminating the need for physical visits.
The role of local bodies in Kerala is being redefined. Beyond infrastructure development, maintenance, and the provision of basic services and welfare activities, local bodies are now focusing on local economic development, job creation, addressing second-generation development challenges, and promoting entrepreneurship. Modernization will be integrated into all aspects of their functioning to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency.
The government is also committed to enhancing transparency within the department. As part of this initiative, the department’s official website has been revamped to provide comprehensive information on institutions, missions, agencies, and projects under local bodies. The revamping work had been overseen by the current Chief Secretary of Kerala, Smt. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS, during her tenure as Additional Chief Secretary of the department. Additionally, a WhatsApp number has been introduced to report corruption.
A special cell has been established at the state level in the Principal Director’s office to handle corruption related complaints received via the single WhatsApp number (8078066060). The minister further stated that a dedicated monitoring system has been implemented to ensure the timely resolution of these complaints.
The event was presided over by Principal Secretary Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph and attended by Special Secretary Smt T.V. Anupama IAS, Principal Director of the Local Self-Government Department Shri Seeram Samba Siva Rao IAS, Kudumbashree Director Shri H. Dinesan IAS, Suchitwa Mission Executive Director Shri U.V. Jose IAS, Urban Director Shri Suraj Shaji IAS, among others.
