DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN ASSAM: GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
Context: E-governance stands as a central pillar of the Digital Assam initiative. This program enables citizens to access a range of online services, including certificate applications, tax payments, and government scheme information.
E-Governance Initiatives in Assam: Driving Digital Transformation-
➢ Digital Assam Programme: The cornerstone of Assam’s e-governance initiatives, the Digital Assam Programme aims to harness technology for efficient governance and service delivery.
Citizens can access a wide range of online services, including applying for certificates, tax payments, and availing government schemes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing accessibility.
➢ Sewa Setu Portal: Launched under the Assam Citizen-centric Service Delivery Project, the Sewa Setu portal serves as a unified platform for government-to-citizen (G2C), government-to-business (G2B), and other service deliveries.
With over 540 services from 59 departments available, the portal ensures seamless access to services, leading to improved citizen satisfaction.
➢ Mission Basundhara: Under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP), Mission Basundhara focuses on digitising land records to safeguard citizens’; land rights.
The digitisation process has streamlined land-related services, enabling citizens to access land records and pay revenue online, thereby reducing bureaucratic hassles.
➢ Sadbhavana Portal: The Sadbhavana Portal aims to digitise official files and streamline administrative processes within the Assam Secretariat.
Categorisation and closure of over 2,74,000 files have been achieved, transforming the Secretariat into a paperless environment and enhancing administrative efficiency.
➢ Kritagyata Portal: Dedicated to pension processing and payment tracking, the Kritagyata Portal simplifies pension administration for retirees.
With over one lakh pension cases received and more than 7,000 Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) generated, the portal ensures timely and hassle-free pension disbursal.
➢ Jeevan Pramaan: Jeevan Pramaan facilitates the digital issuance of life certificates for pensioners, eliminating the need for physical presence.
Over 10,000 pensioners have been registered, easing administrative burdens and enhancing the quality of life for the elderly.
➢ CPGRAMS: The Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) provides a single platform for grievance redressal across all Assam government departments.
Assam’s high ranking in grievance redressal underscores the effectiveness of CPGRAMS in addressing citizen grievances and enhancing accountability.
Significance:
➢ Enhanced Service Delivery: E-governance initiatives in Assam have significantly improved service delivery to citizens by digitizing administrative processes and providing easy access to government services.
Through online platforms like Sewa Setu and the Right to Public Services portal, citizens can conveniently apply for certificates, access government schemes, and avail various services without the need to visit government offices physically.
➢ Transparency and Accountability: The implementation of e-office systems and grievance redressal mechanisms like CPGRAMS have enhanced transparency and accountability in governance.
By digitizing official files and centralising grievance redressal, the government has made processes more transparent, reducing the scope for corruption and inefficiency.
➢ Empowerment of Citizens: E-governance initiatives empower citizens by providing them with greater access to information and services, thereby enhancing their participation in the democratic process.
Initiatives like Mission Basundhara, which digitises land records, contribute to securing land rights and empowering citizens economically.
➢ Efficiency and Cost Savings: The adoption of e-governance has led to increased efficiency in administrative processes, resulting in cost savings for both the government and citizens.
By reducing paperwork, streamlining processes, and minimising manual intervention, e-governance initiatives optimise resource utilisation and improve the overall efficiency of government services.
➢ Inclusive Development: E-governance initiatives promote inclusive development by bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to government services for all segments of society.
Efforts to digitize land records, provide online pension services through portals like Kritagyata, and streamline grievance redressal mechanisms contribute to inclusive growth and development in Assam.
➢ Preparation for the Future: Embracing e-governance positions Assam for future challenges and opportunities, particularly in the digital age.
Initiatives like PM-DeVINE, 5G-enabled health applications, and the establishment of centres of excellence in emerging technologies ensure that Assam remains at the forefront of technological innovation and socio- economic development.
Way Forward:
➢ Continued Innovation and Technological Advancement: Assam should continue to invest in research and development to harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT) for further improving e- governance services.
➢ Capacity Building and Digital Literacy: There is a need to focus on enhancing digital literacy among citizens and government officials to ensure effective utilisation of e-governance platforms.
Training programs and awareness campaigns should be conducted to build capacity and promote digital inclusivity.
➢ Expansion of Service Offerings and Accessibility: Assam should work towards expanding the range of services available through e-governance platforms to address a wider array of citizen needs.
Efforts should be made to ensure accessibility of digital services to rural and marginalised communities, including provision of vernacular language support and outreach programs.
➢ Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures: With the increasing digitization of government services, there is a critical need to enhance cybersecurity measures to safeguard citizen data and protect against cyber threats.
Assam should invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure, develop stringent data protection laws, and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with security standards.
➢ Promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society organisations through PPP models can facilitate the development and implementation of innovative e-governance solutions.
Leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector can accelerate the pace of digital transformation and enhance service delivery efficiency in Assam.
By prioritising these strategic initiatives, Assam can build upon its existing e- governance framework and pave the way for a more inclusive, transparent, and technologically advanced governance ecosystem.
In essence, Assam’s e-governance initiatives exemplify a concerted effort towards leveraging technology for transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric governance, ultimately driving digital transformation and socio-economic development in the state.
