Karnataka to digitise all citizen services under Sakala initiative

Karnataka has announced comprehensive reforms to streamline access to government services through its Sakala programme, which aims to bring all citizen-facing administrative functions into a unified digital platform. The move represents a significant push towards e-governance in the state, eliminating paper-based processes and reducing bureaucratic delays. Under the new framework, all application forms will be available exclusively in Kannada, ensuring accessibility for the state's linguistic majority. Digital payment systems have been mandated for all service-related fees and charges, enabling citizens to complete transactions without visiting government offices. The state has also implemented an automated notification system that will keep applicants informed of their application status through SMS and WhatsApp messages, providing transparency and reducing uncertainty in service delivery. Officials have indicated that the Sakala initiative is expected to improve efficiency, reduce corruption, and enhance citizen satisfaction by making government services more accessible and responsive. The implementation is being rolled out across various departments, with an emphasis on ensuring that no citizen is disadvantaged by the digital transition.