The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Announcing the outcome, state government spokesperson and Minister Jitu Vaghani said the move aims to ease administrative pressure during the admission season, when families typically require multiple documents, including income and caste certificates.
“These certificates are essential for school admissions and availing government schemes. Earlier, parents had to visit government offices repeatedly and stand in long queues to meet deadlines,” Vaghani said. “The chief minister has directed that the entire process be made online and faceless.”
Under the new arrangement, certificates such as income, caste and other scheme-related documents will be available through a digital platform, eliminating the need for physical visits to taluka and district offices. Officials said the reform is designed to improve transparency, reduce delays and ensure timely delivery of services during peak demand periods.
The government estimates that between 70 and 80 lakh families will directly benefit from the decision. The cabinet was informed that the state has already made significant progress in digitisation, citing the Agriculture Department’s completion of farmer registrations for around 59 lakh beneficiaries.
Administrative officials said the online certification initiative is part of a broader push to streamline public services and reduce citizen interface with offices. Departments have been instructed to ensure backend preparedness so that applications are processed within stipulated timelines once the system goes live.
During the briefing, Vaghani also responded to political remarks unrelated to the cabinet decision. Reacting to comments made by Congress leaders about artists, he said the state government respects traditional performers, including Bhavai artists, and recognises their role in preserving Gujarat’s cultural heritage. “Artists keep our literature and culture alive. They should not be subjected to unnecessary criticism,” he said.
Vaghani further accused the Congress of engaging in vote-bank politics and adopting what he described as an anti-Sanatan stance, remarks that the opposition has previously rejected. No immediate response was issued by Congress leaders to these comments.
With the online certification system set to begin from April 1, the government expects a smoother admission season for students and reduced administrative burden for families. Officials said further services could be added to the digital platform based on feedback and implementation outcomes.
