Jammu and Kashmir, in a momentous leap in e-governance, has attained a formidable milestone by offering an expansive array of 1102 online services. In a resounding testament to the transformative prowess of the Information Technology (IT) Department, there has been an augmentation of 15 additional services to the eUnnat portal and the integration of 500 services on the Rapid Assessment System (RAS) portal, orchestrated by various departments within the UT, which stands as a monumental achievement. Outpacing Madhya Pradesh and Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir now stand at the pinnacle of e-service provision with 1102 services, a significant surge from a mere 35 services in 2019. This remarkable feat can be attributed to the ‘Digital J&K Programme,’ which has witnessed an exponential surge in online services, catapulting the region to the forefront of digital governance.
This has indeed been an exemplary trajectory by any evaluative benchmark, achievable solely through the persistent endeavours of the IT Deptt and GAD. Their unwavering impetus to compel all departments into collaborative action has yielded results. This all started with the 25th national conference on e-governance at SMVDU Katra. The insights and experiences shared during this two-day conference played a pivotal role in orchestrating Jammu and Kashmir’s metamorphosis into an e-governance trailblazer. Efficiency, transparency, and expeditious service delivery have emerged as the cornerstones of effective governance in Jammu and Kashmir. Responding to the populace’s demand for a streamlined application process and the luxury of doorstep services without the need for persistent follow-ups, the administration has embraced e-governance. Significant administrative decisions have been made, bringing numerous services under the purview of the Public Services Guarantee Act. Stringent timelines have been instituted, eliminating any room for delays and introducing automatic appeals for most services, ensuring compliance within stipulated timeframes. Failure to adhere automatically triggers an appeal to the First Appellate Authority, with legal consequences for non-responsive departments. These measures aim to fortify democracy with an unwavering focus on the public’s rights, with officials mandated to facilitate the realisation of those rights.
In the wake of this milestone already achieved, the next visionary objective entails the compilation of a comprehensive database encompassing the populace of Jammu and Kashmir, drawing from an array of existing services. This ambit includes Aadhaar records, land passbooks, gas connections, telecommunication data, ration card details, and every available facet of online information. Individuals shall no longer be burdened with the onus of substantiating their credentials to disparate departments; a solitary online application shall suffice to effectuate the desired tasks. In this epoch of digital intricacies, where time is a premium commodity, the prospect of circumventing physical visits to offices for multifarious errands is a welcome respite. The Chief Secretary warrants commendation for astutely envisioning the manifold advantages inherent in such a comprehensive database.
Pioneering initiatives such as the e-UNNAT portal have emerged as invaluable assets for the public, ensuring services are delivered within predefined timeframes. The Rapid Assessment System (RAS) further gauges satisfaction levels regarding these services. The administration’s steadfast dedication to explore innovative methods for doorstep delivery of essential services underscores its commitment to public service. Leveraging available technology effectively has paved the way for innovative solutions, simplifying service delivery in the face of historical challenges. The administration of Jammu and Kashmir is ceaselessly engaged in augmenting its service portfolio, iterating on existing offerings based on citizen feedback. Within a compressed timeframe of four years, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has ascended to the apex of e-governance prowess. This digital odyssey, far from reaching its zenith here, is poised to persist, surmounting hitherto inconceivable thresholds of transparency and service excellence.
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