KATRA, NOV 27: Asserting that speedy development is the new identity of Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said more than 500 services will be made available online in the next three years for a better digital ecosystem in the Union Territory.
In his address at the valedictory session of the 25th National Conference on e-governance at Shri MataVaishno Devi University here, he said delivering efficient, effective and accountable governance is the top priority of his administration.
“Despite being a late entrant in digital transformation, Jammu and Kashmir has achieved several milestones with solid technical architecture at the service of citizens. Speedy development is the new identity of J&K,” Sinha said.
The Lt Governor said initiatives like e-Office, BEAMS-Empowerment, AapkiZameen-AapkiNigrani, Aap Ka Mobile HamaraDaftar, e-Unnat, Digi Locker, MeriPehchaan has established accountability and transparency in governance.
“Digital J&K Internship scheme for youths has been started which will provide an opportunity for a student to secure first hand and practical work experience in the IT sector,” he said. The Lt Governor invited suggestions from all stakeholders to build a better digital ecosystem in the Union Territory.
Speaking on the digital transformational journey of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lt Governor shared the vision of the Jammu and Kashmir administration to expand e-governance to the next level. “We have prepared a roadmap and action plan for the next one, three and five years. More than 500 services will be made online in the next 3 years for a better digital delivery ecosystem,” he said.
Observing that technology is making a real difference in people’s lives, Sinha said in 2013, the total number of e-transactions was merely 20 lakh. “This year, till November 25, the number of e-transactions is 38.50 crore. On an average, J&K is recording 550 e-transactions every minute,” he said.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said J&K is an emerging model of digital government with focus on transparent governance and citizen-centric approach to delivering public services.
In his address,Manohar Lal, Chief Minister, Haryana, recalled his deep connection with Jammu Kashmir.
“I am witnessing a new, badalta Jammu Kashmir. We are looking forward to the new J&K-Haryana collaboration and committed to support J&K Government in meeting the goals, “he said.
Manohar Lal highlighted the IT interventions and several digital initiatives of the Haryana Government to bring transparency in the system and streamlining the public service delivery system.
Expressing his gratitude to the Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal; The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology; Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, all the departments of the Central and State/UT Governments, the Lt Governor said that the 25th National e-Governance Conference in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will prove to be a milestone in the direction of fulfilling our resolve of Digital Society.
Several digital initiatives of the Rural Development Department have empowered grassroots democracy. In the recently concluded Back to Village program, 3 lakh villagers accessed various government services online which reflects increased trust of the citizens, the Lt Governor further added.
The Lt Governor also invited suggestions from all stakeholders to build a better digital ecosystem in the UT of J&K.
Sanjeev Kaushal, Chief Secretary, Haryana; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary J&K; Sh V Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG and Ms. Prerna Puri, Commissioner/ Secretary to J&K Government, Information Technology Department also spoke on the occasion and shared their views and the positive impact of the National Conference on e-Governance and initiatives taken during the Conference in bringing Citizens, Industry and Government closer.
On the occasion, J&K Government also signed MoUs with Shri MataVaishno Devi University and National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) for capacity building of the youth and collaborations in the IT sector.
Offer letters were handed over to the interns selected for Digital Internship Programme providing youth of J&K with opportunity to contribute to existing digital projects of the Government.
A short film highlighting the e-services extended to the people by the J&K Government was also showcased.
The two-day conference was organized by the government of Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.
Prof. (Dr.) Ravindra Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU; officials from Central Ministries and departments; Vice Chancellors of various Universities; ADGP Jammu; Divisional Commissioner Jammu; CEO SMVDSB; Deputy Commissioner Reasi and delegates from different states and UTs were present on the occasion.
