Shimla
Rs. 2,370.65 crore transferred to accounts of 34 lakh beneficiaries through DBT system
In the peaceful Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, a quiet but powerful digital transformation is reshaping governance. Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state has taken remarkable strides in adopting digital technology to deliver services efficiently, transparently and directly to the people. Over the past two and a half years this shift has not only improved administrative functioning but also brought tangible benefits to citizens that have made governance more accessible and responsive.
One of the most impactful initiatives has been the Mukhyamantri Seva Sankalp (MMSS) Helpline 1100. Designed as a central grievance redressal platform, it has quickly become a trusted interface between citizens and the government. In the financial year 2024-25 alone, 1,49,490 complaints were registered and the majority of which have already been resolved. This initiative has helped improve the citizen satisfaction rate from 70 to 71 percent. The MMSS platform has also grown into a centralized call centre supporting other helplines such as the PDS Helpline 1967 and the disaster helpline. Adding to its effectiveness, a WhatsApp chatbot has been launched which has enabled the citizens to access information quickly and easily. It is a clear indication of how technology is being used to simplify and humanize government services.
Another major milestone in this digital journey has been the expansion of the e-Office system. With the inclusion of 20 new secretariat branches, five new directorates, all 12 Deputy Commissioners’ offices, 13 SP offices, 71 SDM offices, 88 BDO offices and 127 field offices, the e-Office platform now covers a total of 325 offices. The shift towards a paperless and faster administrative process has significantly improved internal efficiency and ensured greater transparency in decision-making.
Apart from this, the Himachal Online Services (e-District) portal has become a vital platform for citizens seeking government services. With the addition of 100 new services in 2024-25, the portal now offers 315 online services, enabling citizens to access everything from certificates to welfare schemes. A total of 18,94,418 transactions have been completed through the portal in the current financial year. Integration with DigiLocker and the Him Access Single Sign-On system has made access smoother and more secure. It has improved the overall user experience.
A defining moment in the state’s digital governance journey came on Statehood Day, 25 January 2025, when the Chief Minister launched the HimParivar Project. The initiative aims to provide a unique digital identity to every family and individual in the state through the issuance of HimParivar and Him Access Cards. So far, 19,28,270 families and 76,31,682 individuals have been issued these IDs. This platform allows seamless verification and data-sharing across departments, enhancing the efficiency of service delivery. The Urban Development Department has surveyed over 2,10,000 families, while the HPSEB has linked more than 20,49,000 domestic electricity meter connections to the system. In addition, over 13,30,000 land records have been linked with Aadhar and the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board has registered 35,280 workers, ensuring that benefits reach those who need them most.
Welfare delivery has also seen major improvements through the strengthened Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, which now operates across 69 government schemes. In 2024-25, a total of Rs. 2,370.65 crore was directly transferred into the bank accounts of 34 lakh beneficiaries. This has helped in eliminating delays, reducing leakages and ensuring that government support reaches citizens in a timely and transparent manner.
What makes Himachal Pradesh’s digital progress noteworthy is not just the technology itself, but the intention behind it to serve people better, faster and more fairly. From reducing paperwork in government offices to ensuring that an elderly pensioner in a remote village receives timely support these initiatives are bringing the government closer to its people.
As the state moves ahead on this path of inclusive digital governance, it sets an inspiring example for the rest of the country. Himachal’s story proves that good governance, when backed by vision and technology, can reach the doorsteps of citizens, whether in bustling towns or snow-covered hamlets. The hills of Himachal are no longer remote they are now connected, empowered and ready for the future.
