The Andaman and Nicobar Administration took a major stride in its e-governance efforts on Monday by launching 21 essential public certificates through DigiLocker. The launch event, held at the Secretariat Conference Hall in Sri Vijaya Puram, marked the formal rollout of digital documentation access under the larger umbrella of the Digital India programme.
Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar led the ceremony, joined by key officials including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (IT) Sachin Shinde, Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman Arjun Sharma, and Additional District Magistrate Vinayak Chamadia. The initiative, driven by the District Administration of South Andaman, is expected to streamline access to vital documents for residents across the islands.
With the integration into DigiLocker, residents can now retrieve, store, and share certified documents online, eliminating the need for physical copies in most official transactions. A total of 21 certificates have been digitized under the scheme. These include Local, Income, Dependency, Resident, OBC, EWS, ST, Family Member, and Marriage Registration certificates. Additional inclusions are Senior Citizen, Tribal Pass, Origin, Boat Registration, Mortgage Permission, Money Lending, Earth Cutting, Society Registration, Firm Registration, and Khadi and Village Industries–related certificates.
This initiative ensures that citizens no longer have to queue up at government counters or carry bundles of paperwork for routine services. Instead, these services are accessible anytime, anywhere, through a secure, cloud-based platform that protects individual privacy while increasing administrative efficiency.
DigiLocker, a key initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, provides a secure digital repository for documents. The move aligns with the Centre’s goal of creating a faceless, paperless, and cashless governance model. For residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, especially those in remote or interior regions, the shift offers unprecedented convenience in accessing crucial services without the burden of travel or manual form filling.
Administrative officials present at the launch underscored the growing relevance of digital governance in a post-pandemic world. They pointed out that digital tools like DigiLocker also reduce the risk of fraud and forgery, given their Aadhaar-based authentication mechanism and traceable access logs. Moreover, it facilitates easier verification of documents during job applications, educational admissions, and legal procedures.
The launch is seen as part of a broader effort by the South Andaman administration to reduce dependency on physical paperwork and manual processing. The aim is to integrate as many government-to-citizen services into digital platforms as possible over time, thereby promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public service delivery.
Officials highlighted that the digital transition is not only about convenience but also about environmental sustainability. Paper usage across government departments can be significantly curtailed by encouraging the use of e-certificates, contributing to the administration’s long-term sustainability goals.
The administration has urged all residents to sign up for DigiLocker and begin availing themselves of these services. Guidance and support will be available through common service centers (CSCs) and local government offices to facilitate a smooth transition for those unfamiliar with digital tools.
As government services continue to evolve in response to public demand and technological advancements, this integration of certificates with DigiLocker sets a new benchmark in citizen-centric digital governance. With the successful launch of these 21 digital services, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has reinforced its commitment to creating a more efficient, transparent, and digitally inclusive system.
