Udupi:  ‘Grama One’, the government’s ambitious project launched with the goal of bringing all services to the doorstep of the public, was launched in 105 villages across Udupi district.

The programme was virtually inaugurated by Chief Minister B S Bommai and District Incharge Minister S Angara at Udyavara Grama One Centre on Wednesday.

Angara said that Udupi villages were chosen from among 3,000 such centres. The centres will provide decentralised services to the public.

He assured that Grama One ensures speedy disposal of pending applications. The threat of middlemen can also be avoided because the beneficiary can approach the system directly.

The pilot programme implemented in 12 districts will help the government in addressing loopholes while launching the initiative in a full-fledged manner across the state. Grama One realises Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of Grama Swarajya. The issue of lack of staff, which delays completion of public work, was resolved. The minister, referring to Jan Dhan scheme, said the government’s programmes were often underestimated. But it is these programmes which are successful and are useful in the long run.

Grama One will also help in reducing corruption. Poor people do not need to run from pillar to post to get their work done, he added. More than 750 government services are offered, including Aadhaar card, birth and death certificates, e-stamping, police verification certificates, caste certificates, old age pensions, ration cards, RTC and Ayushman Bharat healthcare facilities, among others.