Kerala’s flagship digital governance platform, K-SMART (Kerala Solution for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation), is set to make a significant leap as the government prepares to roll out the app in over 1,000 rural local bodies across the state. The move marks a major step toward digitizing public services and empowering rural communities with access to transparent and efficient governance.
Initially launched in 2023 in 93 urban local bodies, K-SMART has already streamlined administrative services such as birth and death registrations, building permits, and tax payments. With its expansion into gram panchayats and other rural local bodies, the app aims to bridge the digital divide and bring governance closer to the grassroots.
Key New Features:
- ‘Know Your Land’ Tool: Citizens will be able to access comprehensive information about land ownership, classification, and related legal data directly through the app.
- Mass Petition Filing: People can now file group petitions online, making it easier for communities to raise shared grievances or requests with local authorities.
- Real-Time Service Tracking: Users will have access to real-time updates on the status of their applications and service requests.
Officials said that the state’s Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) is overseeing the rollout with training and infrastructure support already underway for local body staff. The government believes this will promote accountability and reduce delays in public service delivery.
With this expansion, Kerala reaffirms its position as a leader in e-governance and aims to make local governance more citizen-centric, accessible, and efficient, both in cities and in the heart of its villages.
