Chief Secretary Directs for Launch of J&K RTI Portal by December 10
A Push for Transparency and Digital Governance in Jammu & Kashmir
||Black and White Digital News ||
||November 23,2024 ||
JAMMU: Jammu & Kashmir’s Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, has directed the concerned authorities to ensure the launch of an online RTI (Right to Information) portal by December 10, 2024. This initiative is expected to enhance transparency and public access to information in the Union Territory (UT). The announcement came during a high-level review meeting attended by key officials, including the Principal Secretary of Finance and IT, the Commissioner Secretary of General Administration Department (GAD), and the State Informatics Officer (SIO) of the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
1.Comprehensive Digital Framework:
– The Chief Secretary emphasized the creation of an end-to-end digital solution for filing and processing RTI applications.
– Features include an integrated payment gateway and email/SMS alerts for applicants, ensuring a user-friendly experience.
2.Onboarding Public Authorities:
– The General Administration Department (GAD) was tasked with ensuring that all public authorities and nodal officers are onboarded before the launch.
– Training programs for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Appellate Authorities are being conducted to ensure smooth portal operations.
3.Portal Readiness and Security:
– The NIC reported substantial progress, including software customization, integration of payment gateways, and development of SMS templates.
– A security audit is mandated before the portal’s official launch to safeguard data and operations.
4.Scale of the Initiative:
– Approximately 3,300 PIOs and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs) will be onboarded.
– 41 public authorities have already been integrated, with more in progress.
Other NIC Initiatives in J&K:
During the meeting, the NIC outlined its broader digital initiatives to modernize governance across the UT:
1.Connectivity and Cybersecurity Upgrades:
– Bandwidth enhancements from 34 Mbps to 100 Mbps in 10 districts and from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps in another 10 districts.
– Plans to establish a Mini Network Operations Centre (NOC) in Srinagar and a Security Operations Centre (SOC) in Jammu.
2.Digitization Projects:
– Property rights cards for rural areas under the SVAMITVA portal.
– A management portal for evacuee property and a Preventive Detention Information Management Portal (PDIMP) for law enforcement.
3.Legislative Modernization:
– Plans to digitize the Legislative Assembly using the National eVidhan Application (NeVA), supported by ₹22.62 crore from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
4.Public-Oriented Digital Solutions:
– Online Building Permission System.
– Next-Generation Hospital Management System.
– Expansion of online services, with 224 applications and 1,166 services already in operation.
Impact on Governance and Public Services:
The launch of the RTI portal is poised to transform the way citizens access information and interact with public authorities. By streamlining the RTI process and integrating modern digital solutions, the UT government aims to promote accountability, reduce delays, and encourage citizen participation in governance.
Additionally, NIC’s parallel initiatives underscore J&K’s commitment to harnessing technology for enhanced public service delivery. From improved internet connectivity to digitized legislative processes, these projects reflect a larger push toward e-governance and efficiency.
The directive for launching the RTI portal by December 10 is a significant step in J&K’s digital transformation journey. Combined with NIC’s ongoing projects, this initiative is expected to enhance transparency, streamline governance, and improve the overall quality of public service delivery in the UT.
