Maharashtra Government Resolutions, Mahanews, Lokrajya and a crowd-sourced database mapping places that are disabled-friendly will be available on Google Playstore for Android users.

The Maharashtra state government has launched four new online services for citizens with a view to facilitating easier access to time-consuming processes. Also, among more such services set to be made available online, the Maharashtra Government's Information Technology department is in the process of integrating the eKYC (Know Your Customer), an alternative identity proof, in all state government departments.

The new services now available online include issuance of / application for taxi permits, lodging complaints with the regional transport office and announcement of changes in citizens' names, religion and other personal details.

"The pilot project for the change in name, religion, date of birth and of publishing the e-gazette is being carried out presently. In the next two weeks, we will launch the online facility for it. It currently takes at least three to four months and repeated visits to the office for getting the required changes in the documents done. We plan to reduce the time period and visits to the office with the new facility," said Rajesh Aggarwal, principal secretary for information technology, while addressing the media on Thursday afternoon.

The Directorate of Information Technology (DIT) of the Maharashtra government has also launched four mobile applications -- Maharashtra Government Resolutions, Mahanews, Lokrajya and a crowd-sourced database mapping places that are disabled-friendly in terms of access, all available on Google Playstore for Android users. "Four months ago, we decided to launch one mobile application per month. So far, we have launched four mobile applications and have been able to keep our promise. It will continue and we will launch more such citizen-friendly applications," Aggarwal added.

Elaborating on the online services he said, "We are integrating all the departments with the eKYC services of UIDAI which will make the service delivery more efficient and simplified for citizens. Citizens can walk in and provide their Aadhaar, and biometric details, which through eKYC service retrieves digitally signed information of the resident as an identity proof."

Following the online auto permits, the transport department is positive about launching more online services and these services will be launched in next few months, he added.