Excelsior Correspondent
MUMBAI, Sept 3: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh delivered an impactful keynote address through a video message today at the 27th National Conference on e-Governance held at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai. The conference theme, “Viksit Bharat: Secure and Sustainable E-Service Delivery,” set the stage for a detailed discussion on the transformative journey of governance reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that the hallmark of the past decade has been the relentless pursuit of reforms that, while aimed at enhancing governance, have also served as crucial socio-economic upgrades. He outlined how these reforms have impacted four key areas:Governance Reforms: Introducing accountability, transparency, and time-bound service delivery to citizens; Ease of Living: Making life simpler for citizens through streamlined processes; Democratisation of Administrative Processes: Ensuring a level playing field across administrative functions; Change in Mindset: Shifting perspectives among administrators and fulfilling the aspirations of ordinary citizens.
Highlighting specific examples, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled that within three months of taking office, Prime Minister Modi eliminated the outdated practice of document attestation by gazetted officers, a legacy of British colonial rule, and introduced self-attestation. This reform signalled a significant trust in the citizens. Another major change was announced by PM Modi from the Red Fort, where he advocated for the removal of interviews in certain processes to prevent discrimination, a directive that was implemented in January 2016.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further discussed pension reforms under the Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare. He praised the introduction of the ‘Digital Life Certificate,’ which has greatly eased the process for elderly citizens. The department, led by V. Srinivas, also pioneered the use of face recognition technology and recently introduced a ‘Single Unified Pension Form’ through a single-window portal.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline family pensions for divorced, separated, unmarried, and widowed daughters, as well as families of missing and kidnapped personnel.
Reflecting on the past decade, Dr. Singh noted that the digital transition has ensured continuity in administrative functions, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. He underscored the importance of grievance redressal, commending CPGRAMS for its near-complete weekly resolution of grievances and its planned expansion to states and UTs.
Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the National Conference on E-Governance as a crucial platform for collaboration among Central and State Governments, startups, and other stakeholders. He stressed that the true measure of good governance lies in reaching the remotest corners of the country through effective electronic means.
He also touched on the use of advanced technologies such as AI, data analytics, blockchain, cloud computing, and IoT in enhancing governance. The success of Aadhaar’s biometric system and Bharat Rural Internet connectivity was highlighted as examples of effective digital transformation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled Prime Minister Modi’s mantra of the 3E’s-Electronic Governance, Effective Governance and Environmental Governance. He celebrated the success of the Swachhata Abhiyan, which generated significant revenue of Rs.1162 crore from discovered scrap in central government offices.
In conclusion, Dr. Singh announced the Government’s focus on preparing for India @2047, the centenary of its independence. The DARPG is actively working on Vision@2047, focusing on the capacity building and enhancement of younger civil servants to better serve the nation.
The Minister’s address resonated with the conference’s theme, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to a future where digital governance brings Government closer to its people and drives sustainable development.
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