The Digital Signature for the eGramSwaraj portal has become an essential digital tool for India’s Panchayat-level governance. With the growing adoption of e-governance, the use of Digital Signature Certificates by Panchayat Secretaries ensures transparency, authenticity, and data security in every financial transaction. In this article, we’ll explore why a Class 3 Combo DSC is required for the eGramSwaraj portal.
What is a Digital Signature for eGramSwaraj?
The eGramSwaraj portal is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, designed to bring transparency and accountability to the functioning of Gram Panchayats. It is an integrated platform that manages planning, accounting, and progress reporting of Panchayat-level development activities.
To ensure that financial approvals and digital records are secure and verifiable, the Government mandates the use of a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for every Panchayat Secretary or authorized official operating on the portal.
A Digital Signature for eGramSwaraj acts like an electronic identity for a government officer. It allows them to digitally sign and encrypt documents, ensuring that all online actions are legally valid and tamper-proof.
Why a Class 3 Combo DSC Is Required for Panchayat Secretaries
When using the eGramSwaraj portal, the Panchayat Secretary must possess a Class 3 Combo DSC. Let’s understand why:
Dual Functionality – Signing + Encryption
The eGramSwaraj system requires the DSC to support two critical operations:
Signing: Used for authorizing Financial Transaction Orders (FTOs), Payment Vouchers, and other official documents. This ensures that the signed document is authentic and cannot be altered after approval.
Encryption: Used to protect sensitive data such as transaction details, payment instructions & beneficiary records from unauthorized access.
Therefore, the Class 3 Combo DSC is a combination of signing and encryption functions; it is compulsory for Panchayat Secretaries.
High Level of Security and Trust
A Class 3 DSC is the highest level of digital certification issued by licensed Certifying Authorities (CA) under the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), Government of India. It provides enhanced security features such as PIN-based access and hardware token protection.
With this, officials of the Panchayat will be assured of the ability to make a digital transaction that is safe and for which their actions will be legally enforced as per the IT Act, 2000.
Compliance with Government Norms
The eGramSwaraj portal has specific compliance requirements that make the Class 3 Combo DSC non-negotiable. Only these certificates meet the encryption standards and verification levels required for sensitive governance processes.
How to Get a Digital Signature for eGramSwaraj
Getting your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for the eGramSwaraj portal is a simple and secure process with MeraDSC—an authorized partner of Capricorn CA, eMudhra Limited, ProDigiSign and Care4Sign.
Apply for a Class 3 Combo DSC
Start by applying for a Class 3 Combo DSC (Sign + Encrypt) through a licensed provider such as MeraDSC. You’ll need to submit:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card or Voter ID
- Passport-size photograph
- Official email ID and mobile number
Complete Video Verification
You will also be requested to complete a quick video verification process once you have submitted your documents. This is done so that the applicant is a real person and to ensure the DSC is issued.
Receive DSC in a Secure USB Token
After the approval, the DSC will be stored on a hardware token (also called a dongle). This device protects the digital key and avoids unauthorized access.
Register on the eGramSwaraj Portal
- Visit the official eGramSwaraj portal.
- Navigate to the DSC Registration section.
- Plug in your USB token and install the DSC driver software.
- Register your DSC under your Panchayat account.
Each Gram Panchayat can register two DSCs—one for the maker and another for the checker—to maintain a secure approval workflow.
