Bhubaneswar, Jul 12: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the gathering at the 16th CSC Foundation Day celebrations, commending the role of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in transforming governance and service delivery across India, especially in Odisha.

Pradhan thanked all CSC workers, calling them agents of change and likening their dedication to that of Lord Hanuman, who served selflessly. He acknowledged that many CSC employees have faced harassment simply for displaying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s posters, yet they continue to serve citizens with commitment.

Highlighting the economic impact, Pradhan revealed that CSCs have facilitated ₹45 lakh crore worth of transactions nationwide over the past decade. In Odisha alone, CSCs generate an annual turnover of ₹5,000 crore, surpassing even Tata’s operations in Jajpur.

He urged stakeholders to double this figure to ₹10,000 crore within 2–4 years, emphasizing CSCs’ role in employment generation for lakhs of youth.

Pradhan also announced plans to install 6,000 new mobile towers in Odisha to ensure 100% internet connectivity, and to extend broadband services to all PHCs and high schools. He said BSNL internet services will be made available at 35,000 CSCs across the state.

In a visionary move, Pradhan proposed enabling FIR filing through CSCs, and distributing NCERT textbooks via CSCs to make learning resources more accessible. He encouraged citizens to use AI technology to explore Odisha’s history, literature, and culture, and to shape the state’s future.

“If technology is used wisely, Odisha can become a developed state by 2036,” Pradhan said, urging CSC workers to maintain a service-first mindset, regardless of political affiliation.

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