Celebrating 16 Years of Digital Empowerment: Common Services Centres' Milestone Event

A Landmark Celebration for Common Services Centres

New Delhi, July 12: Over the past 16 years, Common Services Centres (CSCs) have emerged as one of the largest digital service networks globally, with more than 650,000 operational centres in both rural and urban settings, as reported by the government.

The CSC initiative, a key component of the 'Digital India' initiative, is set to commemorate its 16th Establishment Day on July 16 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will officiate the event, joined by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Jitin Prasada, as stated by the Ministry of Electronics and IT.

This occasion will also outline the future direction for CSCs, emphasizing enhanced outreach, service diversification, and technology-driven innovations. The upcoming phase will incorporate AI-based services, cloud technologies, and digitally enabled livelihoods, positioning CSCs as catalysts for rural innovation and self-reliant India.

The CSC Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will organize a variety of celebrations at national, state, and district levels. Numerous senior government officials, industry collaborators, policymakers, and thousands of Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) are anticipated to participate in acknowledging the successes of the CSC initiative.

The event will also recognize exemplary VLEs and community leaders who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to improving lives through the CSC framework. This celebration will honor their commitment to social entrepreneurship and community service.

According to government officials, “The 16th Foundation Day of CSC is a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering inclusive development through digital initiatives. As a model of public-private collaboration, CSC has become fundamental to digital governance, citizen-focused service delivery, and community transformation. We invite all stakeholders, citizens, and media members to join this nationwide celebration of digital empowerment and grassroots advancement.”

In 2022, during an event attended by HM Shah, CSC entered into a partnership with NABARD and the Ministry of Cooperation. This collaboration has enabled cooperative credit societies nationwide to operate as Common Services Centres (CSCs).

CSCs have been instrumental in empowering rural citizens, especially women, farmers, and marginalized groups, by providing them with digital access, financial inclusion, healthcare, and livelihood assistance right at their doorstep.