Citizens are interacting with government services in different ways due to India’s digital transformation. In this change, state governments are opting to use a single digital platform to enhance the transparency, accountability, and accessibility of their services. For example, the SARAL Portal was launched by the Government of Haryana. The idea behind the SARAL Portal is to enable users to easily access hundreds of government services, a key development for digital government.
This content explains what the SARAL Portal is, how it operates, and its contribution to simplifying the government’s tasks in Haryana.
Understanding the SARAL Portal
SARAL means Simple, All-inclusive, Real-time, Action-oriented, and Long-lasting. The portal represents a significant step by the government in consolidating all G2C services online. Now, customers do not have to visit several department websites or offices, since services from several departments are accessible through a single portal.
People can use the portal to interact with various government services, such as obtaining certificates and licenses or applying for different welfare benefits. Whenever someone requires a birth certificate, applies for a ration card, or wants to monitor a pension application, SARAL is the place to use.
The Main Purposes of SARAL
SARAL’s main aim is to ease and standardize the process of delivering public services. In the past, individuals dealing with immigration have had to contend with vague instructions, lengthy queues, infrequent updates, and prolonged delays. SARAL addresses these problems by designing services that simplify customer use.
- It is available to use from any location through online.
- It can be followed and checked within a specified timeframe.
- Specific in layout and how things are done
- Being transparent about their actions can reduce the likelihood of corruption.
It makes it possible for citizens to see up-to-date updates on their applications. Collaboratively, SARAL plays the role of reforming how the government functions.
Services Provided by the SARAL Portal
Here are the services provided by the SARAL Portal (Haryana):
- Caste Certificate Application
- Income Certificate
- Domicile/Residence Certificate
- Birth and Death Certificates
- Old Age Pension Scheme
- Disability Pension Scheme
- Widow & Destitute Women’s Pension
- Ration Card Services
- Electricity Bill Payment and Connection Requests
- Marriage Registration
- Ayushman Bharat Card Services
- Application for EWS Certificate
- Driving License and Vehicle Registration Support
- Scholarship Schemes for Students
- Labour Welfare Board Services
- Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Schemes
- Registration of Shops and Establishments
- Building Plan Approval Services (Urban Local Bodies)
- Employment Registration and Job Portal Access
- Water and Sewerage Connection Requests
The SARAL Portal aims to provide a single-window digital platform for Haryana citizens to access over 500 government services and schemes in a streamlined and transparent manner.
Key Features of the SARAL Portal
Even those with little digital knowledge can use the SARAL Portal easily and without trouble. The platform offers many important features, among them:
- Single login approach: People can create a single account and log in with the same details to apply for services from any department.
- Tracking Your Applications in Real Time: SARAL is especially well known for its powerful satellite tracking system. All service requests are given a unique code by which users can see their application’s status in real-time.
- The combination of several departments and services: It brings together services provided by such departments as Education, Revenue, Transport, Agriculture, Health, Social Justice, and many more. All the different services are now linked within one complete framework.
- Within a set period of time, services should be provided. Services offered by SARAL are assigned a fixed timeline for delivery. The time needed for the work to be done is explained to the citizens, and departments are answerable for late deliveries.
- SMS and Email Alerts: Users get regular messages through SMS and email to inform them about their applications’ progress. It guarantees honesty and saves people from visiting government offices more times than necessary.
Steps to Using the SARAL Portal
Using the SARAL Portal has been made simple to help everyone who uses it. This is how people typically participate in e-democracy.
-
Registration and Login
The SARAL Portal is the first stop users need to make at https://saralharyana.gov.in. For the first time, users are required to provide their name, mobile number, and email ID to create an account. When the registration process is complete, users can log in using the username and password provided by the registry.
-
Service Search and Application
As soon as someone logs in, they may either check the list of services or use the search bar to get a specific service. All the service pages offer information on the procedures needed, the files you have to provide, and the fees that might be incurred. Next, the user fills out the online form and uploads any documents the institution requests.
-
Submission and Tracking
When the application is submitted, the system automatically assigns a unique reference number for each case. You are able to monitor the progress of your request either on the portal or by text message.
-
Approval and Delivery
Once everything is verified and the process is complete, the department grants the request and provides the desired service, either by email or by mail delivery. At each step of the recruitment process, the applicant gets a notification.
Impact of SARAL Portal on Citizens
SARAL Portal has greatly improved the lives of people in Haryana. As a result, fewer people now have to visit government offices, so they save both time and money. Now, the process is more predictable and transparent, making it open to everyone, so citizens trust the government more.
Because of the platform, people in rural areas, especially those far from cities, no longer face challenges from distance. Thanks to Common Service Centres (CSCs), anyone without internet access at home can apply for things digitally with assistance.
Benefits to the Government
People receive convenient services, and the government benefits from the improved use and management of resources. With digital processing, there is less paperwork, work processes become organized, and one can monitor the performance of services.
Limitations and Challenges
Despite its strengths, the SARAL Portal still faces some challenges. It is primarily the issue of low digital literacy that concerns us the most. Users in cities may have no difficulties using the portal, but those who live outside of towns or are older may benefit from extra help. It is at this point that CSCs and digital programs become especially important.
An additional issue arises when services or apps are unavailable or run slowly, particularly during periods of heavy use. To ensure reliability and earn trust, we must maintain our infrastructure online and provide support to our users.
Sometimes, users face delays in being served due to traditional procedures within the respective departments. Even though SARAL automates the front-end reporting, some departments’ internal processes still need updates to complete digital transformation.
Conclusion
SARAL Portal makes a big difference in how citizens and their governments work together. Because hundreds of services are available online, applications are digital, and tracking is in real-time, life is much simpler for many people in Haryana.
It demonstrates how states can utilize technology to become more transparent, efficient, and well-liked by the public. With the launch of SARAL, India can make its governance more focused on people rather than processes.
