The quality of services offered at the block panchayat-level offices in Kottayam will undergo major improvement with all the 11 block panchayats on course to set up an enabling environment and receive ISO certification by January 31.
According to authorities, five of these offices — Llalam, Erattupetta, Kanjirappally, Pallam and Vaikom — have already completed the certification process, while the remaining six are slated to receive the honour by January 31. The certification will enable the processing of applications within a time frame of three minutes , besides efficient delivery of other services, including the issue of certificates and other documents. .
Computerisation
Those visiting the offices will be ensured basic services, including drinking water and toilet while special facilities will be established to make the offices friendly to differently abled people, women and children. Further, records rooms have been set up for computerisation and maintenance of records for quick reference, in addition to name boards containing details of the officers and elected representatives, list of services offered and installation of complaint boxes.
Officials said the certification project is being initiated under the Gramamithram project, which aims to make these offices people-friendly. The office staff are being imparted training in management and public interface, in addition to capacity building.
Wi-Fi facility
According to them, the public will be the largest beneficiaries as online services would be available at the shortest time. The authorities are also hoping to extend Wi-Fi facility to these offices in future with a view to equipping them with essentials for a successful e-governance regime. The project is being initiated by a team headed by District Collector P.K. Sudheer Babu and Assistant Development Commissioner P.S. Shino. J.