'Mumbai Declaration' adopted at 27th National Conference on e-Governance
By TIOL News Service
NEW DELHI, SEP 05, 2024: UNION Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, delivered an impactful keynote address through a video message yesterday at the valedictory Session of 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.
At the valedictory session the conference unanimously adopted the 'Mumbai Declaration' after intensive deliberations during the sessions held during the two days.
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 emphasized 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:
1. Governance Reforms: Introducing accountability, transparency, and time-bound service delivery to citizens.
2. Ease of Living: Making life simpler for citizens through streamlined processes.
3. Democratisation of Administrative Processes: Ensuring a level playing field across administrative functions.
4. 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 Jitendra Singh recalled that within three months of taking office, Prime Minister Modi eliminated the outdated practice of document attestation by gazetted officers, a legacy of British colonial rule, and introduced self-attestation.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 Shri 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. 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.
On the second day of the conference sessions on 'Data governance, Use of AI in governance, Innovation in Right to Service Acts, and Cybersecurity and Emergency Response readiness.
Sujata Saumik, Chief Secretary, Maharashtra State, highlighted the continuous support by the DARPG for transforming the e-Governance structures in the State Administration.
V. Srinivas, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) expressed gratitude to patronage granted by Prime Minister Modi and Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh in all their endeavours.
Puneet Yadav, Additional Secretary, DARPG recalled the 10-month long process of planning this conference right from calling presentations and deciding on the awards. He thanked the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and chief Secretary for their leadership, support and guidance.
