Digital J&K: A Paradigm Shift In Governance

Visa online application concept. Open passport with visa stamps with airline boarding pass tickets and stamper on the computer keyboard.

From 35 in 2019 to 672 online services in 2023, the UT has achieved huge progress

Jammu, Sept 15: From a mere 35 online services in 2019 to 675 currently available to citizens, Jammu and Kashmir has made a considerable stride in offering public services at the click of a button, a milestone towards Corruption Free Union territory.

The digitalization of key government services is at the heart of this transformative journey. Following the scrapping of Article 370 in 2019, the Digital India campaign has ensured that services offered by the government department are provided through digital mode.

“Residents can now access services like land records, property registrations, and revenue-related documents through user-friendly online portals. This simplifies the process, eliminates the need for physical visits to government offices, and subsequently reduces opportunities for corruption,” said a senior official in the Revenue Department.

As Jammu and Kashmir continues on its path towards a more transparent and corruption-free administration under the dynamic leadership of Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, this milestone is a testament to the administration’s dedication to serving the people efficiently and ethically.

The introduction of initiatives like BEAMS, Janbhagadari, Aapki Zameen Aapki Nigrani (AZAN), e-tendering and e-office has transformed the administration into a more responsive, accessible and transparent system and has empowered the citizens of J&K by bringing in accountability and openness.

“The feedback from the public on Rapid Assessment System (RAS) is quite encouraging as 86% of it is positive. Nearly 40 lakh messages have been sent to the public to give their feedback and more than one crore visits have been made till date to the AZAN portal providing insights about the people’s land records,” revealed a senior government official recently.

Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of these online services is the transparency and accountability they introduce. Real-time updates on applications are provided, and stringent timelines for service delivery are enforced, minimizing delays and opportunities for corrupt practices.

To further enhance the security of these online platforms and prevent fraudulent activities, biometric authentication measures have been introduced. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access and process government documents, adding an extra layer of protection against corruption.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is optimistic about the impact of these online services, stating, “We aim to provide efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric governance to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. By digitizing and expanding our online services, we are taking a significant step towards reducing corruption and enhancing public trust in the government.”