Statistics reveal that Sakala scheme is very successful in DK

Statistics reveal that Sakala scheme is very successful in DK

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Sept. 24, 2012: Statistics indicate that Sakala or the Karnataka Guarantee of Services to Citizens Act, launched by D. V. Sadananda Gowda, former chief minister of Karnataka, has become very successful in DK.

Launched all over Karnataka on April 2, Sakala promises citizens 151 services spanning 11 major government departments within a specific period. Puttur was one of the first taluks in which Sakala was launched on a pilot basis, and in the very first month, it got 9,925 applications. Every month, the number of applications pouring in is increasing.

In April, there were 50,820 Sakala applications and in May, there were 64,242 applications. In July, the number shot up to 67,503 applications, and in August, 77,947 applications were received all over DK. The number of applications received this month, before September 18 is 38, 594.

The applications have been disposed of just as quickly. In March 8,332 applications, in April 25,097 applications, in June 63,482 applications, in July 66,782 applications, in August 70,313 applications, and in September 25,097 applications were disposed.

Speaking about the statistics, DC Dr. N. S. Channappa Gowda said that so far no official in DK has been fined for not disposing applications on time. But four have been issued notices demanding an explanation for unnecessary delay, adding that the delay was due to technical reasons. He said that the disposal rate of Sakala applications in DK is 93%, adding that 3,07,505 of the total 3,30,299 applications received so far have been disposed.

Citizens are also happy about Sakala, with many of them feeling that it is an effective way to deal with corruption and red tape in government offices.

Nithyananda Pai, convener of Puttur Balakedarara Hitharakshana Vedike, said that, although Sakala is a great scheme, enabling people to get government services without harassment, he said that many people are still not aware of it. He said that awareness needs to be created so that more and more people can benefit from it.

Voicing a similar opinion, Nagarika Hitharakshana Samithi President Hanumanth Kamath said that most people are still not aware of Sakaala, adding that government officials are not keen on making information regarding the scheme public.