JAMMU, OCT 03: In a significant development that reflects the changing landscape of governance, Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a leader in e-governance among states and Union Territories in India. With a remarkable 1038 e-services already in place, the UT administration led by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has set an ambitious target of offering 1500 services via online mode.
Jammu and Kashmir’s journey towards becoming an e-governance frontrunner has been marked by steady progress and a commitment to digital transformation. Over the years, the UT administration has made significant investments in building a robust technological infrastructure and ensuring that government services are easily accessible to the people.
The UT administration has made concerted efforts to empower its citizens digitally. Initiatives like digital literacy programs have played a crucial role in enabling residents to access online services confidently. The introduction of more than a thousand e-services has made it easier for residents to access essential government services from the comfort of their homes.
E-governance initiatives have significantly enhanced transparency in government operations. Citizens can now track the status of their applications and monitor government processes, leading to increased accountability among government officials.
As the administration continues to harness the power of technology to serve its citizens better, it is poised to set an example for the rest of the nation. The evolution of e-governance in Jammu and Kashmir not only promises improved government services but also represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and digitally empowered society.
With an aim to further ease the life of common citizens through the medium of e-initiatives for greater transparency and doorstep delivery of various government services, recently Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta chaired a detailed review of the IT Department.
At the sidelines of the review, the government has also launched various IT initiatives including the dedication of five (05) new online services to the public, unveiling the JK instance of the Open Government Data (OGD) platform, the Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP) and Digital Internship programme 2.0.
During the review of the e-office, Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta directed a compilation of comprehensive reports highlighting the backlog of e-files within various government departments for swift disposal of files. He stressed the importance of identifying users who exhibit suboptimal file disposal rates. Additionally, he underscored the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, such as voice-to-text converters in e-office operations, and assessed the progress of Digital DPR and Virtual Tour initiatives. Furthermore, the shift towards e-governance has enhanced transparency and accountability. Online services are often associated with a robust tracking and monitoring mechanism, making it easier for both citizens and the government to keep tabs on the progress of applications and services. This level of transparency builds trust between the government and its people, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility. In addition to improving efficiency and transparency, the move towards e-governance has the potential to bridge the urban-rural divide.
