So far so good. The public utility mobile apps under the Centre’s ‘One City One Impact’ project, launched by Ranchi Smart City Corporation Limited (RSCCL) to help users locate skilled workers for household repairs and other needs, and workers locate customers, have been gaining popularity in the capital since their launch on October 1.
Ten days down the line, the twin applications named KARTA and KARTA Service Provider are doing well, said an RSCCL official. KARTA is meant for people who want to avail the services and KARTA Service Provider for those willing to provide the service.
The RSCCL official said that so far 4,500 people had downloaded the KARTA app and 158 customers had been served.
Also, 301 service providers — plumbers, drivers, electricians, security guards and auto mechanics — are registered with the KARTA Service Provide app.
“We have a dedicated call centre 06512-446666 that works from 8am to 8pm on all days. On an average, we receive around 50 calls on a daily basis,” the official said.
Amit Kumar Mishra, a resident of Ratu Road and a private executive, said he downloaded KARTA and found the service satisfactory.
A screenshot of the KARTA website
“I read about this utility service in the newspaper and out of curiosity I installed the app,” Mishra said. “I had some wiring problem at my house so I registered my request and selected an electrician (service provider) from the list. Twenty minutes later, I got a call from the electrician who wanted to know my location. In the next 45 minutes, he was at home for the work. I paid him Rs 300 as labour charge as mentioned in the application. The whole thing wrapped up in a professional manner,” Mishra said.
He added that the next day, he got a call asking him if he had been satisfied with the work. “I had, so I used the KARTA app again to get a mechanic to repair my geyser,” smiled Mishra. “This is a good initiative by the government. Everybody needs trained and reliable people for domestic work. This app has made the search easy,” he said.
Shweta, a resident of Kanke who has installed KARTA on her smartphone but yet to avail any service, however pointed out that the number of services on offer in the app should be increased.
“Skilled women workers such as beauticians, tailors, domestic helps and the likes should be included. Trained women will get employment opportunity and we will also be spared the hassle of searching for reliable workers,” she said. Agreed Poonam Jha, a resident of Chiroundi. “The RSCCL should include nursing attendants as many elderly persons need constant 24/7 care at home,” she said.
Public relations officer of RSCCL Amit Kumar said that number of services will be increased in the coming days.
“In the coming days, we will add gardener to the service list. In Ranchi, many people have homes with gardens. Yes, we definitely intend to expand the ambit of services. We seek feedback from users about what they need on the basis of which we will include new services on the app. Number of service providers will also be increased. In fact, enrolment process underway, subject to police verification,” said Kumar, adding they had started an awareness drive on the KARTA apps.