Srinagar, Apr 22: In a significant move towards digitization, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued a directive mandating the use of digital signatures or Aadhar-based e-signatures in the e-office system, effective from June this year.
The directive, applicable to all officers above the rank of dealing officers, aims to foster a digital work environment, reduce reliance on physical documents, bolster cybersecurity, and prevent unauthorized access to government files.
According to the communication reviewed by Rising Kashmir, the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India, has made it compulsory for officers of the rank of dealing officers and above to use Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) or Aadhaar-based e-sign/e-Hastaakshar for electronically signing e-files in the e-office system before forwarding.
The directive emphasizes the adoption of digital practices, minimizing dependencies on physical documents, and implementing robust security measures to safeguard government files in the digital space. It underscores the importance of Digital Signature Certificates or Aadhaar-based e-sign/e-Hastakshar for electronically signing and processing e-office notes/proposals for approval in digital mode, effective June 1, 2024.
In compliance with the instructions from the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Government of India, and the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, all Administrative Departments, Head of Departments, Deputy Commissioners, and Managing Directors of various PSUs/Boards/Corporations are directed to ensure that officers/officials use Digital Signatures (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-sign/e-Hastaakshar as the mode of signing notes in e-office, starting from June 1, 2024.
The necessary support for implementation will be provided by the local e-office support team of JaKeGA and the Information Technology Department. Users are encouraged to refer to the implementation guidelines documents available at https://docs.eoffice.gov.in or the handbook issued by JaKeGA for further guidance.
