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Chapter-5

E-GOVERNANCE IN KERALA

5.1. Introduction

The state of Kerala is notable for its developmental model and

achievements in various sectors. There is high level of socio-economic

progress in the state (Miller & Shrum, 2011:31, Thomas & Parayil,

2008:416, Simister, 2011:21). Kerala’s literacy rate is comparable to the

most advanced regions of the world1.

The health indicators in Kerala are at par with the western world.

Kerala has achieved the distinction of having the lowest dropout rate among

school students in the country. Kerala enjoys a unique position in the health

map of India. The state has the lowest infant mortality and maternal

mortality rate and the highest life expectancy in the country (Planning Board,

2012: 10-11). Kerala has the lowest gender inequality in terms of both

education and access to health (Arora, 2012:158). In the matter of local

governance, the Kerala decentralization model and participatory planning

were highly appreciated by scholars all around the world (Gibson, 2012:19,

Heller et al. 2007:642, Chathukulam & John, 2002:4923 )

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Table 5.1 Profile of Kerala State (Comparative Statistics)

Sl.No Item Kerala India

1 Population 3,33,87,677 1,21,01,93,422

2 Literacy( Percentage) 93.91 74.04

3 Sex Ratio (No. of Females per 1000 males) 1084 940

4 Health Index 0.817 0.563

5 Income Index 0.629 0.271

6 Education Index 0.924 0.568

7 Human Development Index 0.790 0.467

8 Life Expectancy at Birth (2002-06 Figures) 74 63.5

9 Infant Mortality Rate (Per 1000 live births-2007 data)

12 55

10 Death Rate (Per 1000- 2008 Data) 6.6 7.4

(Source: Compiled from, Planning Board (2012) and Census Report Government of India (2011))

With respect to E-Governance, it is observed that Kerala has all the

intrinsic advantages that can foster the development of IT for socio-

economic growth. Nair & Prasad (2002:1) identified the advantages of

advanced levels of literacy, education and healthcare, the widespread

telecommunication networks and availablity of world class IT professionals

as the positive factors that promote IT initiatives in the state2. Kerala is one

region where ICTs can be effectively deployed even in rural areas for

employment generation and participatory economic growth (Thomas &

Parayil, 2008:430). Kerala IT sector growth is three times of the national

average3. The Kerala IT Policy 2007 observes,

Kerala is one of the best-networked States in the country in terms of telecom and datacom. The state’s tele-density is double the national average and all the telephone exchanges are digital. VSNL’s International Communication Gateway, with 2 high speed submarine cable landings (SEA-ME-WE-3 and SAFE) offering 15

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Gbps bandwidth, is in Kochi. This gateway currently handles more than two thirds of the country’s data traffic. Optical Fibre connectivity up to the grass-root level makes high quality, reliable bandwidth available in any part of the State (Kerala IT Policy, 2007:5).

The state was honored by national and international agencies for E-

governance initiatives. In 2006 Kerala has been selected by India Tech

Foundation as the second best state in India in the implementation of E-

Governance. The mobile governance (m-governance) project designed by the

Kerala State Information Technology Mission (KSITM) has bagged the

‘mBillionth South Asian Award 2011,' in the m-governance category from

over 200 nominations from eight South Asian countries4.

Various E-Governance initiatives in the state including IT@School,

Akshaya and e-Krishi won international recognition. It has been observed

that technology is identified by the state of Kerala as an important tool in the

development of the state5. It is considered as a crucial engine of economic

growth and as a tool for increasing productivity, speed and transparency in

governance (Kurian, 2006). In this background the present chapter examines

the development and use of E-Governance in Kerala. The chapter is divided

into six parts,

1. Development of E-Governance in Kerala

2. Major E-Governance Initiatives in Government Sector

3. E-Governance and Local Governance in Kerala

4. E-Governance and Society in Kerala

5. E-Governance and Kannur District

6. Issues and Concerns in E-Governance in Kerala

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5.1.1. Development of E-Governance in Kerala

In the earlier stages of IT development, the state of Kerala was

hesistant to accept the new technologies. There were sturdy agitations from

some section of the society against computerisation. It was accused that the

computers and new technology will take away jobs from people. However,

the ‘fear of technology’ soon gave way to ‘taste of technology’6. The

arguments for accepting positive contributions of global transformations

were acknowledged7. This coincided with the high connectivity status of

households in the state. According to the 2011 census figures, acquisition of

ICT tools in Kerala is considerably above the national figures. 76.8% of the

households possess television sets against the national average of 47.2%.

15.8% of households posssess computer or laptop while the national average

is 9.5%. With respect to internet connected computers, Kerala figure is 6.3%

against the national figure of 3.1%.

Table 5.2. Possession of Communication Assets by Households in Kerala (Comparative statistics, India and Kerala)

Sl.No Communication Asset (Assets in %) India Kerala

1 Total Households 24,66,92,667 77,16,370

2 Radio/Transistor 19.9 29.7

3 Television 47.2 76.8

4 Computer/Laptop (Total) 9.5 15.8

5 Computer/Laptop with internet 3.1 6.3

6 Computer/Laptop without internet 6.4 9.5

7 Telephone/Mobile Phone (Total) 63.2 89.7

8 Landline Only 4.0 11.6

9 Mobile Only 53.2 46.8

10 Both Mobile and land Phone 6.0 31.3

(Source, Census 2011, Government of India)

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Science and Technology development in the State was guided by

Science Policy Resolution of Government of India 1958. In 1977, the

Government of Kerala formulated a policy on Science and Technology. The

policy spelt out the intention to promote the pursuit of knowledge and its

application to human welfare. Concrete efforts for digital transformation in

the state started in early 90’s8. It included computerisation and automation of

government departments and agencies. But it was only in April 1998 that the

government formulated an IT policy. The 1998 IT policy aimed at

augmented use of IT in all areas of life. Facilitation of decentralized

administration and empowerment of people through IT applications were

also the objectives of the policy. In order to implement the IT strategy, 31

government departments were identified. In another significant move three

percentage of state budget was earmarked for IT implementation.

Consequently Information Kerala Mission (IKM) was established in 1998 for

the deployment of IT in grass-root level. In 1999 the state IT mission was

established to co-ordinate E-Governance initiatives in the state. Presently IT

mission is in charge of the E-Governance initiatives in the state.

The Modernisation in Government Project (MGP) was another

milestone in the development of E-Governance in Kerala. The MGP aimed

to ensure better service delivery in government departments and focused on

process re-engineering in government9. The project was launched in 2003

with the financial aid of Asian Development bank10. The project contained

93 initiatives under five broad themes11. IT plan for local government

institution was also a part of MGP. Other major initiatives include SPARK,

IT based information exchange through Akshaya and knowledge based

decision support system for a transparent E-Governance in Kerala. The

major contribution of MGP was the initiative to simplify government

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procedures and processes12. The regulatory environment was made more

people friendly and updated. Necessary physical infrastructure for IT

development was also established through MGP. This provided the necessary

environment for ICT driven reforms in the state. The MGP project was

closed on 20-09-2005.

5.1.23. IT Policy 2007

In 2007 the Government of Kerala presented a new IT policy to

address the challenges posed by growing technologies. It was motivated by

the Government’s vision to turn Kerala into a knowledge society with

sustainable economic growth, social harmony and high quality of life for all.

The vision statement of the policy proposed that the Government shall make

all efforts to provide the infrastructure for the rapid growth and adoption of

ICT in the state, development of high speed communication facilities,

infrastructure for the IT industry and development of human resources. The

policy affirms that the Government will make use of ICT to ensure

transparency, efficiency and quality of services to the citizens of the State.

There was also special mention for encouragement of free software13.With

regard to the websites and public interfaces the policy states,

The Government will promote the use of websites, emails and other new communication facilities in various Government and semi Government organisations. The Government will make sure that its websites are actively maintained and kept updated. Websites will be made available in Malayalam also. All Government Orders and Gazette notifications will be made available through websites, as and when they are issued (Kerala IT Policy 2007:7).

During this period, E-Governance initiatives in Kerala gained

national attention and accreditations. The 2007 Dataquest-IDCE E-

Governance survey found Kerala as the foremost state in the usage of E-

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Governance14. In 2008, the state government issued orders to establish IT

divisions in all government departments and public sector units including

local self government15.The IT divisions were given authority to deal with E-

Governance projects in the departments, in consultation with state IT

Mission. In the same year Kerala State IT Mission was declared as the first

paperless office in the state. With this, all the files in the IT Mission were

completely digitalised. It was implemented with the help of ‘Message’

software developed by national informatics centre16. The adaption of E-

governance needs a total change in the structure and modalities of

governance. Apart from political decisions, the process needs a total business

process re-engineering. This has been identified by the Government of

Kerala and steps have been taken in the direction17 .

The draft IT policy 2011 of Government of Kerala aims to set-up a

one shop stop integrated Government call centre (IGCC) to enable citizen to

interact with government. The draft policy also affirms the government’s

commitment to create a sustainable ecosystem conducive for sustained

growth of ICT in the state. Special ICT programmes were to be developed to

cater to the needs of special sections of the society. Anytime any where

transactional E -services portal integrated with e-payment facility will be

made available to the citizen through state web portal. There is also proposal

to implement online Right to Information applications. All E-Governance

projects were to be subjected to quality and security audit by the

government. The draft policy further suggests the use of emerging

technologies like cloud computing, in the field of governance.

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The Government of Kerala announced an extensive E-Governance

plan in June 201218. The plan aims to transform the state of Kerala into the

first fully digitalized state in India. The major proposals of the plan are,

1. Creating UID Aadhar based E-mail ID to every citizen in the state. All government communications will be routed through E-mail.

2. Extension of E-District project to 10 more districts in the state by March 31, 2013.

3. Complete digitalization of the state secretariat by March 31, 2013.

4. File movement in the secretariat will be made available online. All

contracts above Rs.25 lakh in government departments and public sector

undertakings would come under the e-tendering system.

Figure 5.1, Major Provisions of Draft IT Policy 2011

4.1 The Government aims to transform itself into e-Government and to become No 1 state in the field of e-Governance by:

o Mandating appropriation of 3% plan fund for e-Governance initiatives and departmental modernization in all departments.

o Promoting e-Delivery through CSCs, which enables the services to be accessed by common man in his locality.

o 24X7 ubiquitous delivery of services to the citizens. o Focusing on Government Process engineering and change management

for the effective delivery of citizen centric (G2C) services. o Free and Open Source Software will be used in all e-Governance

projects to the maximum extent possible. The IPR and Source code of all e-Governance applications should be vested with the Government. This enables the knowledge sharing, brings down the total cost of ownership and avoids vendor dependency.

o The State will structure its e-Governance projects aligned to the National e-Governance Plan and ensure compliance with e-Governance standards of Government of India. It will ensure interoperability among applications within the state and across the country.

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5. Connecting all the Panchayats through 4G internet technology with

optical fiber broadband by December 31,201219.

5.2.1. Major E-Governance Initiatives in Government Sector

The state of Kerala is a forerunner in the field of E-Governance.

Akshaya, an e-Literacy scheme was launched in Kerala to enable the citizen

to use the e-Technologies. Another notable initiative in Kerala is FRIENDS,

which stands for Fast Reliable Instant Effective Network for Disbursement

of Services. FRIENDS is a multi service centre located in all district head

quarters where citizens can make government payments through a single

window system. The World Bank rated this project as one among 25

successful E-Governance initiatives in India. Citizen toll-free call centres

were established in the State capital where details of 2000 government

programmes can be availed by the people. The Finance Department

introduced a Treasury Information System. It connects 187 Treasuries in the

state, resulting in speedy disbursement of various pensions and salaries. The

motor vehicle department introduced a project – Smart Move. By this

licenses and certificates can be instantly obtained through computer.

Revenue department initiated a major E-Governance project-

computerization of land records. At a later stage land documents and details

can be availed online. Other major E-Governance initiatives in the state

include grievance call centers, online initiative of various government

departments, websites of universities and public corporations.

During the 2009 lokhsabha elections, election commission has

uploaded a web site through which voters can track their polling station and

voter status. There was also provision for online voter registration. Oommen

Chandy, the Chief Minister of Kerala, opened the doors of his chamber and

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office to the cyber world. Now everyone can watch the movements of the

minister and his staff in the office online20.This makes administration more

transparent and accountable. A 24X7 call centre is also established in the

office of chief minister. Citizens can register complaints through toll free

numbers. The complaint will be registered in computer with a short summary

and the citizen will get a register number through text message. The

complaint will be redressed in a time bound manner and the complainant can

verify the status of his request online at any time using the register number21.

5.2.2. FRIENDS (Fast Reliable Instant Effective Network for Disbursement of Services)

In June 2000, the Kerala state IT Department rolled out FRIENDS

as a one-stop IT-enabled payment counter where citizens can pay all their

bills rather than having to personally visit individual department payment

counters located in different parts of the city. Many studies have found that

public support for the FRIENDS centres has been overwhelming amongst the

middle class population of the state residing in district towns (Madon,

2004:6). FRIENDS is a single window ‘no queue’ integrated remittance

centre where the citizens have the opportunity to pay all taxes and other dues

to the government under one roof. Each ‘FRIENDS’ centre accepts payments

of University, Local body, Electricity Board, Water Authority, Land

Revenue, Civil Supplies, Motor Vehicles, BSNL and Electrical Inspectorate.

The FRIENDS service is basically a physical one stop shop for

selected government services. The computerized counters operate between 9

am to 7 pm on all days, including Sundays. The service points are well

furnished and equipped with modern facilities and managed by well trained

staff. The state government plans to offer all the FRIENDS services online.

In this connection, the Kerala State IT Mission is working on a project,

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namely FREES (FRIENDS Re-engineered and Enterprise Enabled

Software). It will provide all the FRIENDS service online (Kelkar & Sundar,

2010:14). The FREES project is launched in FRIENDS citizen centres

Kollam and Alleppy.

The FRIENDS project is well received by the citizens and the

quantum of payments are ever-growing. But on the other side the project is

still offering only some limited services. It is observed that no new service is

added to FRIENDS for the last three years22. The reason is mainly staff

shortage and slow pace of computerisation in related departments. Thus the

one-stop-shop ideal of FRIENDS is still far behind. Many government

organizations are not willing to offer their services through FRIENDS. After

12 years of operation, FRIENDS is still a town oriented, limited service

shop, providing the bare minimum.

5.2.3. E-District Project

The E-District project proposed integrated, seamless and online

delivery of citizen services in the state. It was made possible at the district

level through automation of work flow, backend delegation, integration and

process redesign. The project is funded by the Government of India under

the National E-Governance plan and is implemented by Kerala State IT

Mission23. The project got motivation from the successful completion of the

E-Governance project in the revenue district level at Palakkad24. Through the

E-District project, citizens can avail many government services online25. For

this, applicant need not go to the respective offices. They can file the

application at the Akshaya centre by paying a nominal fee. After receiving the

application, the status of application will be communicated to the applicant

through SMS. Certificates can be downloaded from Akshaya centres. The

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certificates are digitally signed and the digitally signed document is legally

valid as per the Information Technology (IT) Act 2000. Authenticity of the

document can be verified from http://edistrict.Kerala.gov.in.

As per June 2012 stastistics, the online applications received through

the two e-districts crossed 5 Lakh in Kerala, out of which Kannur district

received 3,11,488 application online, and Palakkad received 2,75,669

applications26.

Figure 5.2. Time line of an E-District Application Process (Application No.309498)

(Source, Experiment Data)

It was found that the e-District project offers transparency, speed and

economy in service delivery. In an experiment, an application for posession

certificate was submitted to the village office through Akshaya centre on 18-

01-2012 with Registration Number 225594 and application number 309498.

The cost of application was 35 rupees, which included scanning charges for

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documents. On 19-01-2012 at 10.24.39 am, an SMS stating that the

certificate is being processed, was received. On the same day at 11.24.08 am,

another SMS, stating that Possession Certificate has been approved, was

received and certificate was downloaded from the Akshaya centre soon27. In

a manual environment, this process takes 1-5 days. There is also chance of

corruption. But in the E-District project, there is no face to face interaction

with the officials and corruption possibilities are minimised28.

The government of Kerala now plans to extend E-District project to

all districts in the state. This will provide better, speedy and efficient service

to the citizen. More services will also be offered through the project.

5.2.4. Admission Related Single Window Systems

A major E-Governance project in the state of Kerala was

implemented in the field of admission related services in colleges,

universities and higher secondary schools. Centralised Allottment Process

(CAP) was the pioneering initiative in this direction (Raghunathan & Edwin,

2007:199). It was introduced in 2006 for conducting online counselling for

the allotment of seats for the medical and engineering courses in Kerala. All

application procedures, starting from issuing application forms to admission

of candidate to the respective course are conducted online. This project was

well received by the stakeholders that offline services are discontinued . CAP

was initially used for allotment for professional courses like medicine and

engineering but later it was extended to B.Ed. Courses also.

The acceptance of CAP forced government to introduce single

window application processing system in higher secondary schools in the

state. Previously candidate were to submit applications to each individual

schools where he wishes to join. With the single window system,

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applications were filed online and school choices were marked. Student get

admission according to his marks and choice of schools. Presently the offline

admission in higher secondary schools is also discontinued. This single

window system was also adopted in undergraduate and post graduate

admission of students to all colleges under Mahatma Gandhi university,

Kottayam. Other universities in the state are also preparing to follow a single

window admission system29.

5.2.5. Akshaya

In 2002, the Government of Kerala launched Akshaya, an e-literacy

programme. The major objectives of the project were,

1, To ensure access points for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services to all sections of the society so as to bridge the digital divide,

2, To provide e-literacy training to at least one member each in all households,

3, To facilitate locally relevant content and delivery of services such as e-transactions and e-governance, and

4, To generate employment opportunities in IT sector.

Around 2000 community telecentres called Akshaya e- kendras have

been set up across Kerala, to provide computer training. These centres also

act as access points for various ICT based services. It is estimated that each

centre caters to around 1000-3000 families. Akshaya is conceived to bridge

the digital divide in Kerala and to act as a catalyst for socio-economic

development. It was observed,

Akshaya involved a truly participatory approach from the outset and illustrates how public institutions, private companies, and voluntary organizations can work together to solve social problems. This association includes ongoing discussions and negotiations among all parties and it works by integrating e-centers into the lives

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of ordinary people. The project relies on local investment, management, and ownership of the e-centers. Its aim is to create a spectrum of IT services such as providing information, facilitating communication, and enhancing business transactions as well as enabling public services, surveys, and data collection (Melnick & Melnick, 2007:216)

The project has established 610 multi-purpose community technology

centres, each with 5-10 computers, in Malappuram district in North Kerala.

In the first phase of Akshaya, from October 2002 to January 2004, the

centres acted as hubs for promoting IT literacy amongst villagers. In the

second phase of Akshaya, high-speed Internet connectivity for all centres

was established in early 2004 and more specialised computer training and

training in other areas are being provided on a payment basis. Akshaya is

also entrusted with the development of local content in key sectors such as

agriculture, health and education (Madon, 2004:6).

Akshaya e-pay project was introduced in 2004. It is an online system

for the collection of various utility bills and fees. It was implemented in a

Public-Private-Participation (PPP) model. Payments to participating agencies

are routed through FRIENDS. Through Akshaya e-pay, citizens can remit

their bills and dues to Government. Remittance pertaining to Electricity bill,

Water Authority bill, BSNL land line and Mobile bill and University fees

were offered through Akshaya e-pay (Parthasarathy, 2009:52). As on April

2012 Akshaya e-Pay collections has crossed Rs.224 Crores30 .

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Table 5.3. Akshaya E-Pay Transaction

Sl.No. Date (Upto) Amount (In Rs) Transactions ( In Numbers)

1 December 2011 2,07,78,22,920.00 59,68,143

2 January 2012 4,45,00,865.00 1,37,682

3 February 2012 3,85,96,261.00 1,18,730

4 March 2012 5,36,32,660.00 1,68,694

5 April 2012 3,50,79,682.00 99,304

TOTAL 2,24,96,32,388.00 64,92,283

(Source Akshaya Website, http://www.ekendra.org/ Accessed on 07-06-2012)

,

The Akshaya project is a novel venture to address the digital divide in

the state31. It functions as a service shop for E-Governance products in the

villages. However, the project is still far away from the projected objectives.

The core services expected to be provided through the e-kendras are still in

the pipe line. The provision of e-services and e-pay facilities has not been

expanded as expected (Krishnan, 2010:8) . The services did not reach

nearly as many people as was intended, and even those that it did reach did

not opt for the free computer training offered (Pal, 2009:115). The social

transformation envisaged in the Akshaya project was also not materialized

(Kuriyan et al. 2008:102). It is also pointed out that the wider deployment of

Akshaya throughout the state has been carried out by simply identifying

existing cybercafes and giving them the Akshaya brand with the

accompanying e-literacy underwriting.

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5.2.6. Ente Gramam

Ente gramam (My village) started as a flagship project in 2008. It

was funded by UNESCO in association with Akshaya and Society for

Promotion of Alternative Computing and Employment (SPACE). Ente

gramam is an online community portal in Malayalam created and maintained

by the citizens of each village. The objective of the project was to provide an

interactive platform for the local people. The portal was supposed to be a

meeting point for the local community. It allows people to submit articles to

the portal. Each web portal covers detailed information of the locality

including its history, geography, culture and society. Locally relevant news

and announcements also find its way to the portal. It was hoped that in the

course of time the portals will be used for local transaction, enabling in it

with more business features. Initially the project has been implemented in

nine Gram Panchayats and one Municipality in Kannur District. Later it was

extended to the districts of Trichur, Malappuram and Kollam.

The ideal behind the village portal is to provide a web platform for

the people. It was assured that the people and their local government

institutions will have a crucial role in the operations of the portal. But it was

observed that most of the portals are badly updated and contains only basic

information. The business features are still on the anvil. The community

control is also not visible32. In the matter of service the Labour Bank is a

novel idea. But practically the Bank contains only a few names and that

without job specification.

5.2.7. IT@School

IT@School is a major E-Governance initiative in the state. It attends

to the various needs of 60 Lakh school students in the state. The state

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economic review 2012 identifies IT@school as the largest ICT education

project in India (Planning Board 2012:406). The organisation has developed

a software namely ‘Sampoorna’ which records all the details of students and

employees in all the government and aided schools in the state.It

incorporates provisions to monitor the educational development and talents

of students from the primary classes to the end of 10th standard33. In a novel

move to educate the parents in ICT, the IT@School organisation organised

ICT literacy campaigns for all parents of school students in the state34. The

project is also noted for its deployment of Free and Open source software

(FOSS). As a result of the project efforts, the government of Kerala made it

compulsory that all the school teachers must obtain computer training to get

their probation period declared as completed. The training is to be provided

by IT@school. This may provide further impetus to the E-Governance

initiatives in the state35. State level school connectivity is another major

achievement of the project. In association with BSNL the Project has

provided Broadband internet connectivity to all High Schools and

Educational Offices in the state. In places where broadband connectivity was

not feasible, wireless connections were provided. IT@School completed this

project in 2009, more than a year in advance of the target.

Another achievement of IT@School Project is the introduction of a

customized version of WIKI, the largest and most popular general reference

website in the internet. The portal, www.schoolwiki.in provides

comprehensive knowledge database of all schools in the state, and include

the learning outcomes of students derived from group activities as well as

various educational contents prepared by the teacher groups36. In another

initiative the annual state school festivals were fully computerized. The

details of the participants were uploaded in the software online, event

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schedules displayed, score sheets downloaded and certificates printed. The

portal is designed in open software37. The state-wide transfers and posting of

nearly two lakh school teachers were made online by IT@School.

Centralised online text book indent system, computerization of noon meal

distribution system and computerization of pre-metric scholarships are other

major achievements of the project. IT @ school also operates a satellite

education channel, VICTERS, to offer quality educational programs to the

student community.

5.2.8. Police Department

The Public-Police interaction is a problem area in any state. Police is

to keep law and order and ensure safe and secure social life. For this they

were given enormous powers and at times the power handling patterns

necessiates more transparency and openness. E-Governance initiative in

police department is founded upon this idea. Thus the state police is being

instructed to resort to new modes of communication (Govind, 2009)38.A

major E-Governance initiative in the department relates to E-Filing of

complaints. Citizens can register their complaints online through the

department website. The department web site also maintains a Criminal

Intelligence Gazette which provides information on arrested persons, missing

persons, wanted persons, unidentified dead bodies, abandoned vehicles,

vechicle thefts, NOC cheating cases, counterfeit currency and coins, theft

and recovery of arms and ammunition and kidnapping cases reported39.

Digital cameras were introduced to check violation of traffic rules40. The

department also introduced E-Chellans for collecting penalty from traffic law

violators41.

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The state police introduced ‘Internal administration Processing

System’ to make the administration effective and also to intensify the drive

to make offices paper-free.The project was launched in 2011 with the help of

the state IT Mission. With the completion of the project,all the papers

including letters and complaints are digitised and sent online to the

departments concerned. This will bring more speed and efficiency in

adminstration42.

Another novel E-Governance initiative from the part of state police

department relates to the control of pilgrims in Sabarimala. Sabarimala is a

famous pilgrim centre in the state and during the festival season people were

to wait days to avail the ‘Darsan’ of the Lord Ayyappa. In 2011 pilgrim

season, the police department initiated an online darsana facility. Pilgrims

can make advance registration for darsana in the website www.sabarimala.

Keralapolice.gov.in. They were given registration cards and be placed in

special queue for darsana43.

5.2.9. Department of Food and Civil Supplies

The 2012-13 Budget of state government proposes a novel initiative

to curb diversion of public food supplies to private channels. For this

purpose Global Positioning System is to be used to track the vechicles. Once

the vechicles were loaded with the food items the quantity of items will be

registerd and vechicle movement will be watched online, tiil it reaches the

destination. This will assure proper delivery of foodgrains to the public44.

e-Services of Ration Cards is an important service delivery project of

Department of Civil Supplies, Government of Kerala. The service is for

enabling the citizens of Kerala to submit online applications related to ration

cards such as issue of new ration cards, transfer of ration cards or

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modifications in the existing ration cards. Citizens can also avail the

assistance of the nearest service community centers like Akshaya for

submitting their application forms. E-Services also provide services for

online verification of ration cards and sharing of data between the

departments45.

5.2.10. Kerala Coconut Board

Coconut is one of the major agriculture products in Kerala. But the

coconut farmers are haunted by the absence of skilled coconut pluckers. This

issue was taken up by the state coconut development board and they initiated

a training programme in coconut plucking. After training coconut pluckers

were provided with coconut climbing machine. The novel aspect of this

project is that the coconut development board published the mobile number

of trained coconut pluckers on line. The list is available in the website

http://www.coconutboard.nic.in/Friends-district.htm. Farmers can call the

skilled workers and utilize their service46. It is estimated that more than 5000

people are registered with the board as coconut pluckers47.

5:2.11. Motor Transport

Motor Vehicles Department is one of the departments of the

Government of Kerala offering highest number of citizen centric services.

All the 18 Regional Transport Offices, 65 Sub Regional Transport Offices,

and 19 Motor Vehicles Check Posts in the state have been fully

computerized through the FAST (Fully Automated Services of the Transport

Department) Project, and interconnected using Kerala State Wide Area

Network (KSWAN). All the services related to licences, registration,

permits, number allotment, check reports etc have been automated . In the

year 2007-08, the department won prestigious CSI - Nihilent e-Governance

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awards for the Best e-Governed Department. In an early movement, the

department started computerised learners licence test. Presently all the

learners licence tests are administerd via computer. Pre-test training is also

available in the touch screens established in all testing centres. The

department also maintains a computerised web-enabled registry of all

registerd vehicles in the state. SMS based information technology is also

operative in the department on a wider scale. This includes details of

vehicles, fancy number availablity, booking status of vehicle numbers,

permit status and tax calculator48.

The website of the motor vehicles department was selected as the

website of the week by the Government of India during 22-28, April,201249.

The department provides e-services for 24 types of applications ranging from

learner’s licence to permit cancellation . As on April 24,2012, the department

had provided 8,97,176 e-services in licencing and 17,08743 e-services in

registration. The total number of service count is 26,0591950.

Traffic law enforcement is a major function of the department. For

checking traffic violations all regional transport offices in the state are

provided with high quality digital cameras. These cameras will track the

vechicle movements and law violations will be recorded. The law breakers

will be issued notice with digital proof of the violation and this will ensure

better law enforcement51. In order to monitor road traffic, the department

introduced ‘intelligent enforcement system’ in Trivandrun city. The project

started in August 2011.The system operates in ‘virtual loop’ technology,

whereby the traffic cameras installed in various signal points were linked to

the department server. It is also linked with the data base of vehicles in the

state available with the department. Once a traffic violation is recorded in the

camera, the details including visuals of violation and details of vechicle will

225

be made available in the computer and PDAs available with the law

enforcement officers. This will enable better traffic law enforcement52.

5.2.12. SPARK (Service and Payroll Administrative Repository for Kerala)

Service and Payroll Administrative Repository for Kerala(SPARK) is

an Integrated Personnel, Payroll and Accounts Information System. SPARK

is jointly owned by IT Department and Finance Department , Government

of Kerala. It is developed by the National Informatics Centre and

Implemented by the Kerala State IT Mission. The system has been developed

with a view to catering to the Administration, Payroll and other accounts

activities of government establishments. Each employee is allotted a unique

Permanent Employee Number (PEN) through the system. This centralized

system helps the departments to get details of any employee. It also helps to

achieve highest level of transparency in dealing with the employees. In the

payroll side, accurate and automatic payroll processing is facilitated. It

ensures that the rules and regulations are uniformly applied to all53.

The SPARK project is beneficial to more than five lakh government

employees in the state. It helps them to prepare pay bills in an easy and fast

mode. As most of the salary details including Income tax and GPF are

available online, the salary processing will be a less time consuming

business, both for the employee and employer . The government of Kerala

made it mandatory that all government officers were to prepare salary bills

through SPARK, from 01-03-201254. At a later stage, SPARK will provide

for online submission of bills to treasuries. There is also provision for the

development of a pension database. Provident fund loan applications , leave

applications and status enquiries may also be made available online via

SPARK.

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5.2.13. E-SAND

In the state of Kerala river sand is a highly demanded good in

construction industry. Unscientific sand mining posed serious social and

enviornmental problems. In this context the local government institutions

were given control over sand mining and distribution. However this led to

many charges including corruption and nepotism. In order to face this issue

authorities in Thrissur district developed a complete web-based solution for

the restricted centralised distribution of river sand in the District. It is termed

SAND (System for 'Attumanal' Neutral Distribution). Citizens can book

river sand through the SAND website55. They can also track the status of

their application online. Applicants can get the information about payment

dates through multiple options like Website, SMS, Information Kiosks, etc.

Local Bodies are using the system to generate SAND certificates online.

Detailed information on how to apply for sand online can be downloaded

from the website56. This initiative has received many awards including

CSINihilent eGovernance Award 2010-2011under the category Best G2C

Projects. Government of India selected SAND as the site of the week in

March 18-24, 201257.

5:2.14. E-Procurement

In order to bring more transparency and speed in government

procurement, the Government of Kerala introduced e-procuring procedures in

the departments. E-tendering is followed in most of the departments.The state

Public works department has moved to a complete E-Procurement-

E-Tendering/E-Payment mode. The department operates a website,

www.etenders.Kerala.gov.in, in which tender notifications are published and

accepted. Contractors can submit tenders using their digital signature58. The

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state budget 2012-13 visualizes the adoption of this E-Procurement mode to

all the departments in the state.

5.2.5. Kerala Public Service Commission

The Kerala Public service Commission is the recruiting agency for

jobs in government sector in the state. As such it is entrusted with a heavy

volume of work. The agency has to attend vacancy notification to job advice

to the candidates. Every year hundreds of posts are notified and lakhs of

candidates appear for the examinations59. In order to address the heavy

workload and to deliver timely services, the Commission resorted to

computerisation. Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) launched its

website in September 2003. In the early stage, the website contained basic

information about KPSC, rules regarding appointments and notifications. But

in the course of time it became a one stop shop for job seekers in the

government sector. Presently jobseekers can make a one time registration in

the KPSC portal. Using the ‘one time registration’ system, candidates need

to register their profile only once. After this, the candidates can respond to

any PSC notification through their profile. They can also update their profile

anytime, to add any additional qualification they acquire in future.

Registered candidates will be issued a user id and password. Using the user

id and password, one can apply for a post, download the hall ticket and also

view the examination result60. When the candidate is advised for

appointment, the advice details are also posted online. In another move the

commission requested the government to report the vacancies to the PSC

through e-mail61.

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5.2.16. Other Department Initiatives

There are many innovative E-Governance solutions offered by

various departments in the state government. For example, the state tourism

department operates an attractive web portal, www.Keralatourism.org. The

contents of the site are available in 16 languages. There is also active links to

various services in the industry. E-krishi is another popular website and it

offers many agriculture related services like commodity price, expert opinion

on agriculture related problems, weather forecasts, availability of seeds and

advices on farming62. The vision of the project is to establish a connected

farmer’s community throughout Kerala and to provide these farmers with

access to information on market demand, prices, and good agricultural

practices.

E-grantz is another major E-Governance initiative in the state. It is a

web based solution for the disbursement of educational assistance to all the

post metric students of SC, ST, OBC community as well as economically

weaker sections of society in Kerala. It provides provision for making online

application, processing and sanction of educational assistance. Application

can be submitted online by students using the menu provided in the e-Grantz

home page at www.e-grantz.Kerala.gov.in. Students can also submit

applications online through Akshaya e-centres.

5.2.17. M-Governance

The M-Governance initiatives in the state are in the stage of rapid

transformation. The Commercial Taxes Department is to implement a mobile

based Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) to receive complaints and

initiate action for the eradication of the problems such as official harassment

at the check posts63.The vigilance and anticorruption Bureau sends text

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messages to the general public. The message contains the phone number of

vigilance office, which can be contacted in case of any corruption. The state

police department issued mobile phones to all officers and the numbers were

made public. The officers were given instructions to keep their phones

always ‘ON’ so that the public can easily access them.

Table 5.4. Selected M-Governance Service Initiatives in Kerala Government

Sl. No. Name Service

1 Vanitha Commission Complaint Registration System and details of KWC officials

2 Sabarimala Alerts Sabarimala daily programs on mobile

3 Motor Vechicles Department

Application status, Vehicle Details on Mobile, Fancy Number availability

4 Kerala Water Authority Bill and payment details

5 Bluetooth Kiosk Advertisement medium for Tourism Dept

6 Lottery Department Lottery Results on Mobile

7 Entrance Examination Entrance Examination results / Valuation stages via SMS

8 Health H1N1 and HIV Awareness Campaigns

9 Forest Department Timber Auction alerts

10 Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan File Tracking System

11 Higher Education Council Scholarship Alerts

12 Kerala Financial Corporation

Details of loans

13 KSFDC Movie Ticket Reservation through Mobile

14 Information and Public relations Department

SMS Alerts to press/SMS, complaint registration status, Sutharyakeralam

15 KSRTC Schedule of Long route buses & Telephone numbers of Important stations

16 eSMS Bulk SMS Service for all departments

(Source http://www.itmission.kerala.gov.in/ksitmegovernanceprojects/146mgovernance.html

Accessed on 12-05-2012)

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The Kerala state Womens Commission is operating a mobile number

to which individuals can send their grievances as text messages and the

commission will attend the issue soon. The DCsuit project in Palakkad and

Kannur district also make use of M-Governance. In this project people can

track the movement of their files via text messages. Every application

received in the District Collectors office is given a file number and the

concerned applicant can locate the position of his file by sending an SMS.

Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is one of the premier service

sector organisations in the state. As such, they are to deal with a large

volume of consumer requisitions. Consumer grievance redressal mechanisms

thus occupy a pivotal position in the organisation. In order to cope with the

ever-growing consumer demands KSEB opted m-governance solutions. The

Board introduced an SMS messaging system whereby the consumers can

lodge their complaints via SMS.The system provides for speedy redressal of

complaints and effective monitoring of redressal mechanism64.

5.2.18. Use of Free Software

In the deployment of E-Governance the Government of Kerala

acknowledged the role of free software. The introduction of free software in

government services will bring more security and efficiency in the services.

It has been observed that the free software is highly economic also65.The IT

policy 2007 of the state government acknowledged that Free Software

presents a unique opportunity in building a truly egalitarian knowledge

society. It is promised that the Government will take all efforts to develop

Free Software and Free Knowledge and shall encourage and mandate the

appropriate use of Free Software in all ICT initiatives. The IT @ school

project of the state is the largest user of free software in the state. The Kerala

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Public Service Commission introduced a ‘one time registration’ system. This

system, Thulasi 1.0, has been designed using free and open source software.

5.3. E-Governance and Local Governance in Kerala

A government is well evaluated by the results it produces. The results

in the receivers perception immediately depends on the quality and quantity

of services offered. Against all odds of neo-liberalism, modern state still

holds the title of welfare state. But presently centralized welfare delivery is

adjudged as costly and unreliable and thus local governments were widely

entrusted with the job. This is very particular to the Kerala scenario where

local governments are in charge of majority of citizen service deliveries. The

services range from issuing birth certificate to disbursal of pensions. The

Panchayats are given due powers for the planning, coordination,

implementation and evaluation of these welfare programmes (Gangadharan,

2010). But the problem is with delivery mechanisms and policy

commitments. The traditional delivery channels seem to be ill equipped to

meet the new demands66. With the 73rd amendment the delivery load

increased in scale and nature. This was further complicated by the social

transformation initiated by neo liberalism and globalization. The issue was

earlier taken up by Morgan (1985). His alternative solutions focused on

contracting and voluntarism Morgan also signals the potentials of new

technologies. They can provide better solutions at lower social penalty.

The state of Kerala is a key player in the national decentralization

initiatives. With the enactment of Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and The Kerala

Municipality Act in 1994, the state started experimenting with local self

government institutions. By the Act local governments gained powers and

responsibilities of socio economic development in their respective areas. The

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act drastically cut down the powers of state government over the day to day

administration of local bodies. In matters of conflict an Ombudsman was

instituted as safe cushion for the interests of the grassroots organizations.

Presently all the centrally sponsored poverty alleviation programmes reach

the people through local bodies. The state had divested its monopoly over

health sector, education, sanitation, social welfare, agriculture and the like.

The local bodies were entrusted with these responsibilities to a considerable

extent.

The vast potential of ICT in local governance is already recognised

by the state and central governments. The government of Kerala made it

mandatory that all the Panchayats in the state should have at least five

computers installed67. Later, the government issued sanction to purchase a

maximum number of nine computers for the use of local bodies68. In the

state of Kerala the government developed a number of softwares and

products to promote E-governance in local bodies. The department of local

self government in the state initiated a web portal, www.lsg.Kerala.gov.in.

The site provides complete information about the department and

decentralization initiatives in the state. Details of 1209 local bodies

institutions in the state are incorporated in more than one lakh web pages.

Alongside with the government initiatives some Panchayats created their

own blogs. These blogs provide an interactive space for citizen interaction69.

An e-payment system was introduced in Trivandrum Corporation

in 2011. Following this, the state government issued permission for the

establishment of e-payment or other remote modes of collection of taxes in

the local government institutions. IKM was designated as the nodal agency

for the implementation of e-payment facility70. Later e-payment facility was

extended to Kozhikode and Kollam Corporations. In Kasargod municipality,

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an E-Payment facility was initiated for the payment of property tax. Citizens

can log onto the portal www.kasaragodmunicipality.in and select the e-

payment option. Tax can be paid using debit/credit card and internet bank

account. Tax assessment details are also available in the site71. The facility

was extended to Kanhanghad, Ottappalam and Guruvayoor Municipalities.

In 2012, Manjeswaram Gram Panchayat in Kasargode district was declared

as the first Panchayat in India to provide property tax e-payment facility72.

The advent of E-Governance in the arena of local government is

promising for covering the service delivery crisis in local governance

structures. It ensures smooth, transparent and speedy transactions at lower

costs. Once the documents are digitalized and information entered, the

system goes on a sail. Issue of certificates and documents becomes a matter

of seconds against the traditional ‘apply and wait’ pattern73. E-Governance

ensures transparency and accountability in transactions and thereby reduces

corruption. The information is posted in the public domain and irregularities

can be checked by vigilant public scrutiny. The digital transactions are well

archived and digital footprints erase any chances of future manipulations.

The claims of political leaders are verified in real time and public life

becomes more ethical. This is highly relevant to local politics where leaders

are to keep constant contact with the general public.

The Government of Kerala plans to distribute all social security

pensions through electronic channels (Kerala Budget 2012-13:37

(Sec.123)).This will ease the work of local government functionaries.There

will be more efficient, economic and speedy service delivery. But this

measure also calls for better E-Governance measures at the local government

level.

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The Government of Kerala has formulated Kerala Local Government

and Service Delivery Project (KLGSDP) to enhance and strengthen the

institutional capacity of the local government system in the state. The project

aims to deliver services and undertake basic administrative and governance

functions more effectively74. The project will benefit all Gram Panchayats

and Municipalities in the state. The Performance Grant of KLGSDP will be

spent on the creation, maintenance and operation of capital assets used in

Service Delivery. It will provide Gram Panchayats and Municipalities with

additional discretionary, untied funds for expanded local investment. An

amount of Rs.28425.00 lakh is provided for the scheme during 2012-13.The

local bodies can utilize the fund for improving their ICT infrastructure and

capabilities.

5.3.2. Wide Area Net Work

The Computerisation process in local bodies in the state is to be

supplemented with the implementation of Local Government Wide Area

Network (LGWAN). The idea for networking the local government

institutions in the state originated in a government proposal to the planning

commission in October,1998 to establish ‘Kerala Information Network for

Local Bodies’. The target of the project was better connectivity, better

monitoring and automation of local bodies. In 2005 the objectives of the

proposals were modified to incorporate database development, training and

technical support service to the institutions75. Presently there are two types of

networks operating in the state to establish connectivity in government.

Kerala State Wide Area Network (KSWAN) covers Block Panchayats,Zilla

Panchayats, Muncipalities and Corporations in the Local Government. It is

supplemented with Local Gvernment Wide Area Network (LGWAN). With

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LGWAN better connectivity will be possible among the Panchayats in the

state76.

Fig. 5.3. Connectivity Status in Local Government Institutions

(Source, http://www.infokerala.org/connectivity-status-feb-2012, Accessed on 14-05-2012)

As on March 2012, servers were installed in 964 Gram Panchayats77.

On February, 29,2012, 91.07% local government institutions in the state

attained connectivity. Out of the total 1209 local bodies1101 were connected

either through KSWAN or LGWAN. 100% connectivity is achieved in

Kollam and Thrissur Districts. All the District Panchayats and Municipal

Corporations were also connected.

5.3.3. Information Kerala Mission (IKM)

Information Kerala Mission (IKM) was established in June 1999 with

the objective of implementing E-Governance in local government institutions

in the state. The functions of IKM includes providing connectivity between

local government institutions and state and district planning offices,

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development of application softwares for deployment in various local

government institutions, provide hardware and software training to

employees, maintain and update database for E-Governance system in local

government and arrangement of technical assistance to the concerned

institutions in the field of E-Governance. With these objectives IKM

developed 17 softwares for E-Governance applications78. Local self

government employees were trained in E-Governance and documents were

digitalised. The Government plans to improve the performance of IKM and

alloted Four crores for IKM in the 2012-13 state budget (Kerala Budget

2012-13:37(Sec.123)).

Figure 5.4. Deployment of software in Local Government

Source. http://www.infokerala.org/software-application-deployment-status-feb-2012, Accessed on 22-05-2012.

237

The prominent E-Governance initiatives of IKM are,

1. Creation of Own website for all Panchayats and Municipalities at

www.lsgKerala.gov.in79.The website of Local Self Government is

well linked with various E-Governance initiatives in local bodies in

the state.

2. Sevana civil registration to register deaths and births in Panchayats

and municipalities. Sevana kiosks were installed in 417 hospitals in

the state. Through these kiosks, deaths and births are registered

instantly. Citizen can download birth/death certificates within 24

hours of registration at the kiosk80. These certificates are approved as

official documents by the chief registrar of births and deaths,

Kerala81. Marriage registration can also be done through sevana civil

registration software. Sevana Civil registration software installation is

completed in 99.81% local bodies.

3. The sevana pension software provides information about social

security pensions disbursed through local bodies.The software is

functional in 99.62% of local bodies.

4. Sulekha software was developed to monitor the annual plans of local

government institutions in the state82.Annual plans are prepared,

evaluated and approved in a time bound manner through this

software. More than 17 lakh project documents of local bodies are

presently available through sulekha. Sulekha is installed in all local

government institutions in the state.

5. Sanchaya software to enumerate and deliver licenses.

6. Sakarma Software for preparing the agenda of Panchayat meetings,

documentation of minutes, etc. The decisions of the committee

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should be published in Panchayath websites and should be made

available to public through touch screens installed in offices. The

software is not yet operational.

7. Sanketham software is developed for issuing building construction

permit.

8. Soochika software is developed for file management and tracking in

panchayat administration. It is mainly used for front office

management. Applicants can avail computer generated receipts and

track the status of their application. The installation rate is 28.54%.

5.4. E-Governance and Society in Kerala

The use of ICT in social life is very vivacious in the state of Kerala.

Many individual and organized initiatives emerged from the various parts of

the state and stands as a role model for public adaption of ICT. Political

parties and groups also use ICT for public interaction. Election campaigns

are operated in technology platforms in a significant manner and scale.

During elections, ICT tools are widely used for communicating to the voter.

However, as unsolicited text messages were banned by election commission,

candidates and supporters largely turned to websites and blogs.

In Kerala political parties are having an active web presence. For

example Indian National Congress (INC) operates a well updated website

with interactive provisions such as online polling83. Unlike the parent

organization website in the central level, the Kerala unit of INC website has

‘follow us’ in twitter and Facebook links84. The CPI (M) is also active in the

cyberspace with own website85. Kerala Congress (Jacob) is also very active

in the web space with well updated website86. UDF also operates an

effectively linked website at http://udf.org.in. Among the youth

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organizations, Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) is having an

effective web-presence87. The Mujahid Students Movement (MSM), a

student organization in the state also shows active web presence. The state

conference of the organization in 2010 and 2011 were live webcasted and

made available in You Tube.

Political party leaders are also active in the web scenario. The

government of Kerala provided E-mail address to all the members of the

state legislative assembly. Many political leaders created their own web

pages and blogs to establish contact with the public. Many of the youth

legislators in the state are active in blogs and social media.

Technologies offer promising opportunities to the marginalized and

less advantaged. The availability of mobile technologies has enabled new

modes of cooperation in less advantaged sections. This is well evidenced

with the case of fisherman in Kerala. They were the first in Kerala to accept

mobile technology as a tool of development88. Mobile phones were widely

used in sharing of information on promising fishing spots and safety and

rescue at sea. It provided for a new symbiotic human technology

relationship.

The mobile phone’s sociological landscape in the rural setting has undergone a drastic transformation with the cultural dynamics figuring more prominently in users’ everyday uses of the technology and the associated discourses. What is emerging is a new symbiotic human technology relationship that is culturally rooted and socially mediated on the basis of the technological object’s perceived powers to redefine the communities’ ecology of survival. (Sreekumar, 2011:178).

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5.5. E-Governance and Kannur District

Kannur district lies between latitudes 11° 40' to 12° 48' North and

longitudes 74° 52' to 76° 07' East. The District is bounded by Kasaragod

District to the north, Kozhikode District to the south and Wayanad District to

the south east. To the east the district is bounded by the Western Ghats. The

Arabian Sea lies to the west.

The district had a rich tradition of being a centre of knowledge. The

earliest evidence of human habitation in the area is traced back to Neolithic

period (Menon, 1987:6-7, Bhatt & Bharghava, 2006:18). The district was

part of the Chera kingdom, which ruled most of Kerala during the first

several centuries of Christian era89. Later Kannur became the capital of the

Kolathiri Rajas. The Rajas had trading relations with Arabia and Persia in the

12th century and 13th centuries (Logan, 1887:268). In his book on travels,

Marco Polo recounts his visit to the area in mid 1290s. The Portuguese

explorer Vasco da Gama visited Kannur in 1498, and shortly thereafter it

became a Portuguese settlement. The Portuguese led by Don Francisco de

Almeda, the first Portuguese viceroy for India, built the St. Angelo's Fort

north of Kannur in 1505. In 1663 the Dutch captured the fort and in 1772

they sold the fort to Arakkal Rajas. In 1790 the British captured the fort. In

the latter half of the 18th century, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, rulers of

Mysore, conquered much of the district and came into conflict with the

British. In 1792, at the conclusion of the third Anglo Mysore War, the British

took over Kannur and the surrounding region, which became the new

Malabar District of British India's Madras Presidency.

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5.5.2. National Movement

Kannur District witnessed one of the strongest resistances to British

rule in India. The revolt led by Pazhassi Raja in 1792 -1804 period kept a

large part of the district in a state of war. The people of the district played an

important role in Indian freedom movement. The Indian National Congress

established a Malabar District committee in 1908. A branch of the All India

Home Rule League, founded by Dr. Annie Besant, also functioned in

Thalassery during this period. By the end of 1939, a branch of the

Communist Party of India was formally founded at Pinarayi near Thalassery.

Mahatma Gandhi and Maulana Shaukat Ali toured the district to carry the

message of the Non Cooperation and Khilafat Movements.

Kannur District came into the limelight of Kerala politics in May

1928, when the fourth All Kerala Political Conference was held at Payyannur

under the auspices of the Kerala Provincial Congress. This conference was

presided over by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Payyannur was the main venue of

the Salt Satyagraha of 1930.

The district of Kannur also witnessed many peasant uprisings. The

notable among them are the peasant’s movements at Karivellur90 and

Kavumbai91. The rise of the organized working class in the industrial sector

was another important phenomenon of the period that changed the course of

the anti-imperialism movement.

5.5.3. The Formation of New District

Kannur District came into existence as an administrative unit on

January 1, 1957. At the time of its formation, the district consisted of seven

taluks, viz, Kasaragod, Hosdurg, Taliparamba, Kannur, Thalassery, North

Wayanad and SouthWayanad. Subsequently, the South Wayanad taluk was

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included in Kozhikode District with effect from 15 March 1957. Later, on

first November 1980, Wayanad District was formed carving out South

Wayanad and North Wayanad taluks. Kasaragod and Hosdurg were

separated on 24 May 1984 for the formation of Kasaragod District. Thus

Kannur District now has three taluks, viz., Kannur, Taliparamba and

Thalassery. There are nine development blocks comprising of 81 panchayats.

There are 11 state legislative constituencies in the district.

5.5.4. Land and the People

Kannur District is known as the land of looms and lores. The

designation was because of the loom industries functioning in the district and

festivals held in temples. The district is a major centre of Theyyam, a ritual

dance of northern Kerala. The district of Kannur is well known for its

political vibrancy. It is the centre of a strong popular culture. It was the

venue for significant social movements and public struggles. The people of

the district actively participated in the national movement and there were

many historical public uprisings.

Table 5.5. Kannur District at a Glance (2011 Census)

Sl. No Component Value

1 Area 2966Sq.Km

2 Blocks 9

3 Panchayats 81

4 Municipalities 6

5 Population 25,25,637

6 Density 852

7 Literacy Rate 95.41

8 Sex Ratio 1133

Kannur is the most urbanised district in Kerala, with more than 50%

of its residents living in urban areas. Kannur has an urban population of

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1,212,898, which is the second largest in Kerala after Ernakulam district.

According to the 2011 census, the district of Kannur possesses the highest

sex ratio of 1133 females for 1000 males92. The district has a population of

2,525,637. The population density is 852 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011was 4.84 %. The

literacy rate is 95.41%.

The district has high ranking in many aspects of human development.

The district is also noted for the existence of a strong co-operative

movement. It is the home town for one of the largest Industrial Cooperative

Societies in India- The Kerala Dinesh Beedi Workers Central Co-op Society.

The society was established in 1969. It provide full time employment to

12,000 person’s directly and more than one lakh people indirectly through

Beedi rolling, Food processing, Umbrella assembling, Garments making and

IT93. A majority of the population of the district is dependent directly or

indirectly on agriculture for their livelihood. Handloom Textiles, beedi and

coir are the important traditional industries in the district. About one lakh

people depend on the textile industry for livelihood.

Table 5.6, Demographic Ranking of Kannur District (2011 Census)

Sl.No Component Rank Kannur State Data

1 Population 8 2525637 3,33,87677

2 Literacy 5 95.41% 93.91

3 Male 3 11,84042 1,6021290

4 Female 5 13,41625 1,73,66387

5 Sex ratio 1 1084 1079

6 Density 9 852 859

7 Male Literacy 3 97.54% 96.02%

8 Female Literacy 5 93.57% 91.08%

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The demographic distribution of the district comprise of Hindus,

Muslims, native Jains and Christian communities. There is historical evidence of

strong religious harmony in the area. It is the only geographical entity in Kerala

where an Islamic Kingdom viz. Arakkal existed (Kurup, 1975:1)94. The people

of North Malabar are characterized by a stronger sense of sociopolitical

aspirations often leading to frequent cases of political violence in the area.

5.5.5. E-Governance in Local Governance

The district of Kannur is having 81 Panchayats and six municipalities.

There is also a cantonment board in Kannur. The Municipal towns in the district

are Taliparamba, Kannur, Thalassery, Kuthuparamba, Payyannur and

Mattannur. Most of the Gram Panchayats in the district are well performing. The

district won Swaraj Trophy three times95 .

Kannur district is one among the eight districts in the state to become

100% e-literate. The e-literacy project in the district started on December 2,

2005. Akshaya centres were established in each village in the district. Computer

literacy training was given through the centres. Courses were conducted for jail

inmates, industrial workers and the like (Roy, 2010:7). On September 22,2007

Kamblari colony of Sreekandapuram Panchayat in Kannur district was declared

as the first Scheduled Caste colony in the state to achieve 100 % e-literacy. On

March 31, 2007, Kannur was declared as100% e-literate district.

The Ente-Gramam village portal was started as a pilot project in the

district. Later it was extended to all the Panchayats in the district. In 2008, DC

Suite- a file tracking service solution was introduced in the district collectorate

of Kannur. The Akshaya project also received good support from the district.

Most of the villages in Kannur are now well connected through Akshaya

centres. The success of Akshaya in the district inspired the state IT Mission to

245

introduce E-District project in Kannur. The project was implemented at

Palakkad and Kannur districts. However the project received more response

from Kannur district. The district also hosts many IT industrial initiatives.

Notable among them is the Dinesh IT Park in Kannur. A government initiated

IT park was inaugurated at Pullupara near Payyannur. The work is expected to

be operational by mid 2012. When the park will be fully operational it is

supposed to provide 20,000 direct job opportunities.

The local government institutions in the district are also well enabled

with ICT tools. All the local bodies in the district are provided broadband

connectivity. The KSWAN/LGWAN connectivity in local government

institutions in the district as on 29-02-2012 is 87.88%. The state average is

91.07%96. All the local bodies were given own website and e-mail ID. Closed

user group mobile connections were also provided for the officials of Panchayat

departments and presiding officers of Panchayats97. In the case of software

installation, out of the ten major softwares installed by IKM, Gram Panchayats

in Kannur district achieved 100% installation target in eight softwares.

There is also good ICT infrastructure in the local government

institutions. Some local bodies make use of independent web presence like

blogs. Through the blogs, the institutions issue public notices about the services

offered. In Sreekandapuram Panchayath, there was an attempt to notify the

Gram Sabha meeting details to the people through mobile based text

messages98.

5.5.6. Software Application in Local Bodies: A Case Study of Sevana (Social Welfare Pension)

The Information Kerala Mission developed many software applications

for effective service delivery in local bodies. SEVANA is an important software

application developed by IKM and it is functional in 99.62% of local

246

government institutions in the state99. A study was done on the deployment and

actual utilization of the software.

Disbursement of social security pensions is a major service function of

the local bodies. The local bodies identify pension beneficiaries and disburse the

pensions. Currently, seven types of social security pensions are being

distributed through local bodies. They are;

1. Agriculture Labour Pension

2. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension

3. Pension to the Mentally Challenged Persons

4. Pension to the Physically Challenged Persons

5. Pension to Unmarried Women above 50 years

6. Widow Pension, and

7. Unemployment wages

The selection of beneficiaries and timely disbursement of the pension

was a hilarious task for the local bodies. During 2010-11, an amount of 301

crores were distributed as social security pension to 13,6,1540 persons in

Kerala. Earlier this amount was used to be sent through postal money order.

This was a time consuming job and resulted in delays and omissions. There

were also possibilities of corruption and manipulations. In order to bring more

transparency and efficiency in pension related process, SEVANA application

was developed by IKM. Presently, all pension schemes except unemployment

wages are handled in electronic form through the Sevana application. Through

sevana, the list of beneficiaries of various social service pensions is available

along with the date of last disbursement of pension. Rules and regulations

regarding pensions are also available on the site. Pension is sent through

electronic money order.

247

Table 5.7, Updation Status of Sevana Software in Gram Panchayts , Kannur District as on 20-04-2012

Sl.no Panchayat Last updated 1 Cheruthazham 06 -10- 2010 2 Ezhome 17 -02- 2012 3 Kunhimangalam 02 -04-2012 4 Madai 07 -08- 2010 5 Mattool 27 -09-2010 6 Ramanthali 31 -03-2012 7 Kadannapally

Panapuzha 07 -04-2012

8 Karivellur Peralam 28 -03- 2012 9 Kangole

Alapadamba 07 -03- 2012

10 Eramam Kuttur 02 -04-2012 11 Peringome

Vayakkara 12 -03-l2012

12 Cherupuzha 29 -03- 2012 13 Pattuvam 28 -08- 2010 14 Cherukunnu 15 -02-2012 15 Kalliasseri 18 -02-2012 16 Kannapuram 20 -10- 2010 17 Pappinisseri 09 -09-2010 18 Chengalai 02 -09-2010 19 Kurumathur 17 -12- 2010 20 Pariyaram 11 -11- 2010 21 Narath 15 -09-2010 22 Chapparapadavu 25 -11- 2010 23 Naduvil 18 -10- 2010 24 Udayagiri 06 -08- 2010 25 Alakode 07 -12- 2010 26 Eruvassey 20 -09-2010 27 Irikkur 13 -08- 2010 28 Malapattom 22 -02- 2012 29 Payyavoor 11 -11- 2010 30 Kolacherry 20 -11- 2010 31 Kuttiattur 06 -11- 2010 32 Mayyil 13 -02- 2012 33 Sreekandapuram 17 -02- 2012 34 Padiyur kalliad 03 -09-2010 35 Ulikkal 01 -12- 2010 36 Chirakkal 15 -02- 2012 37 Pallikkunnu 24 -02- 2012 38 Azhikode 22 -11- 2010 39 Ancharakandy 02 -09-2010 40 Edakkad 15 -03- 2012

41 Elayavoor 18 -04-2012 42 Kadambur 03 -09-2010 43 Muzhappilangad 16 -11- 2010 44 Chelora 28 -03- 2012 45 Chembilode 02 -04-2012 46 Munderi 31 -03- 2012 47 Peralasseri 09 -03- 2012 48 Dharmadom 30 -08- 2010 49 Eramholi 01 -11- 2010 50 Kadirur 01 -12- 2010 51 Kottayam 23 -09-2010 52 Pinarayi 29 -11- 2010 53 Chokli 17 -12- 2010 54 Kariyad 27 -09-2010 55 Peringalam 11 -09-2010 56 New Mahi 30 -08- 2010 57 Mokeri 20 -03- 2012 58 Panniyannur 07 -03- 2012 59 Panoor Grama 06 -03- 2012 60 Triprangottur 21 -03- 2012 61 Chittariparamba 08 -09-2010 62 Kunnathuparamba 02 -04-2012 63 Mangattidam 30 -11- 2010 64 Pattiam 23 -02- 2012 65 Vengad 31 -03- 2012 66 Aralam 14 -10- 2010 67 Ayyankunnu 28 -09-2010 68 Keezhallur 18 -08- 2010 69 Thilankeri 13 -08- 2010 70 Koodali 06 -09-2010 71 Payam 23 -09-2010 72 Keezhur Chavasseri 23 -09-2010 73 Kanichar 17 -04-2012 74 Kelakom 15 -09-2010 75 Kottiyoor 28 -10- 2010 76 Muzhakkunnu 10 -04-2012 77 Kolayad 16 -04-2012 78 Malur 14 -09-2010 79 Peravoor 09 -11- 2010 80 Puzhathi 09 -11- 2010 81 Valapattanam 02 -09-2010

(Compiled from, http://welfarepension.lsgkerala.gov.in/LBWiseEng.aspx?lbid=1096 to

http://welfarepension.lsgkerala.gov.in/LBWiseEng.aspx?lbid=1176, Accessed on 20-04-2012)

248

Sevana software is installed in 81 Gram Panhayats and six

municipalities in the district. Among the six municipalities only two

municipalities keep the sevana site updated up to April 2012. Two

municipalities updated their data up to 2012. In one case the data is updated up

to September, 2011.

In the case of Gram Panchayats, even though 81 Panchayats were

provided with sevana, only 32 Panchayats kept the data updated up to 2012.

Among these 32, only 10 institutions updated up to April 2012. 49 Panchayats

updated their data last in 2010.The case study suggests that deployment of

software and E-Governance applications alone cannot ensure change. It should

coincide with political will and commitment.

Table 5.8.Updation status of Sevana Software in Municipalities , Kannur District as on 20-04-2012

Sl. No. Muncipality Last Updated

1 Mattannur 29-03- 2012

2 Thalipparamba 10 -04-2012

3 Koothuparamba 16 -02-2012

4 Payyannur 03 -03-2012

5 Thalassery 25 -03-2012

6 Kannur 23 -09- 2011

(Compiled from,

http://welfarepension.lsgkerala.gov.in/LBWiseEng.aspx? lbid=217 to

http://welfarepension.lsgkerala.gov.in/ LBWiseEng.aspx?lbid=222,

Accessed on 12-04-2012)

5.6. Issues and Concerns in E-Governance in Kerala

The issue of digital divide is a major concern in E-Governance

initiative in Kerala. In spite of the high literacy rate and intervention of digital

bridging initiatives, many sections of the society are still slow to acquire e-

249

skills and e-literacy. This also promotes a general distrust on the effectiveness

of E-Governance initiatives. Even though many government departments and

public entities shifted to electronic modes of communication, the effects are

not yet felt in the grass roots. In this context the success claims of Akshaya are

questioned (Pal, 2009; Mukhopadhyay& Nandi, 2007).

The absence of an integrated approach is another major issue that

overshadows the E-Governance initiatives in the state. The Government is in

possession of a large data base on human resources and assets. But the data

is scattered through various departments and there is no effective data

sharing. This results in duplication of many administrative functions. For

example, in e-district project an applicant is supposed to fill up the same

application form whenever he wants a certificate. He is also to upload the tax

receipt and land documents every time. This results in delay and additional

financial burden. A one-time registration is technically the best feasible

alternative100.Absence of decentralized solutions are also hindering the

development of E-Governance in the state. The websites of local bodies in

the state provide the best example. All the local government institutions in

the state are provided web pages in the website of local government

department. But the content management is centrally administered. Only the

municipalities and three corporations in the state are given freedom to

manage the web contents locally. This centralized approach results in poor

content management101. The researcher made an attempt to verify the local

content in the muncipal websites in Kannur district. For this purpose the

websites of six muncipalities were observed. It was found that the websites

follow the same pattern and design. All the website contain one heading in

news section, ie,who is the chairman/chairperson. There are links to topics

like images,budget and to the public (Janasamksham). For all the six

250

municipalities these links provide the same answer viz. 1,Image-no image,

2,Budget-will be updated soon and 3,To the public-will be updated soon.

New technology cannot be the substitute for fundamental institutional

changes (Dai, 2000:247). E-Governance demands a total change in structures

and procedures. This change should coincide with a change in attitudes and

behaviors. In the state of Kerala this transformation is very slow. Many

government websites are poorly updated102. The content presentation is also

not user friendly103. On line feedback provisions are not operative. Even

though there are claims of ‘paperless offices’, the claim remains in paper

only. In an experiment an E-Mail was sent to the state IT Mission, which was

declared as a paperless office far back in February 2008. Certain current data

was requested through the mail message. The office replied that a written

request addressed to the director State IT Mission is necessary for

transmitting the data104. It is observed that the Panchayats are given E-Mail

ID for official communication. But there is no uniformity in the address.

Some IDs are operating with temporary operators like indiatimes.com. The

usage pattern of these e-mail ID’s were also very poor105.

Table 5.9. List of E-mail ID Providers (Panchayats Kannur)

Sl.No Mail Provider Number

1 Gmail 57

2 Yahoo 17

3 Rediffmail 4

4 BSNL 2

5 Indiatimes 1

Total 81

(Compiled from Muraleedharan (2011:90-92))

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The absence of public interfaces is also a serious issue in the

development of E-Governance. This issue is very particular to local bodies.

Even though most of the Panchayats in the state are well connected and

possess good ICT infrastructure, the connectivity and infrastructure

advantages are not open to the representatives and general public. User

friendly touch screens should be made available at major government

offices.

5.7 Conclusion

Information and Communication Technology has opened up the

possibility of radically different patterns of information exchange in society.

It is becoming a vital tool in sustaining the democratic ethos of the society

and ensuring a high level of transparency and accountability in governance.

With the high physical quality of life index and social infrastructure

development, Kerala is ideally positioned to use ICT as a catalyst for the all-

round economic prosperity and social development of its people. The state

and society in Kerala is well aware of the potentials of E-Governance and

there are many positive initiatives from the part of government, private

sector and individuals.

In the case of local government, E-Governance is an effective tool for

efficient service delivery. Representatives can utilise it as a tool for political

management. Use of E-Governance in Kannur district also needs special

mention. With its high political sensitivity, the district is well tuned for

innovations and E-Governance initiatives in the district gained passionate

support from the population. The local government institution in the

district also evidences higher receptivity of E-Governance. With the

continued support of the government and political organizations, the district

252

can easily shift to on-line mode of government and subsequently better

governance.

Notes

1 Kerala’s literacy rate which was only 47.18% in 1951 has almost doubled in 2011.The male, female literacy gap, which was 21.92% in 1951 has narrowed down to 4.04% in 2011 (Planning Board, 2012:321).

2 Thomas & Parayil (2008) identified certain significant factors in promoting IT capablities in Kerala. Notable among them are Kerala’s educational achievements that cut across class and gender divisions, and redistributive reforms in the countryside that improved standards of living for all. Public action lasting many decades has been the cornerstone of Kerala’s past and present achievements. It is these achievements, which have not been the result of any fast-paced investment programme in ICTs, which provide a good platform for harnessing ICTs as well as other new technologies for equitable growth. See, Thomas & Parayil (2008:432).

3 Source, G.Krishnakumar, IT Sector in State Gaining Strength, The Hindu Education Plus, Kerala, 10-08-2010, P-1.

4 See, M.P Praveen, Award for m-governance Project of State, The Hindu, Kochi, 17-07-2011, http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-Kerala/article2297717.ece, Accessed on 14-04-2012.

5 “Having achieved high physical quality of life index and social infrastructure development, Kerala is ideally positioned to use ICT as a catalyst for the all-round economic prosperity and social uplift of its people”. See, Information Technology Policy 2007, Department of Information Technology, Government of Kerala, P-3. Accessed from www.Keralaitmission.org/ web/main/ITPolicy-2007.pdf, Accessed on 23-04-2012.

6 Refer, Vipin.V. Nair, Keeping Pace with the March of Digital Evolution, The Hindu, Kochi, 30-12-2005, P-4.

7 Amarthya Sen observes, “There is in fact, no real conflict between being determined to resist global inequality and injustice and at the same time understanding and facilitating the positive contributions of globalised economic, social and cultural relations across the world” (Sen, 2005:342).

8 Electronic voting in India was firstly introduced on an experimental basis in Kerala in 1982 in North Paravur assembly constituency (Devanesan et al., 2011: 400).

253

9 See, G.O. (MS) No. 345/03/GAD, Dated.26-11-2003.

10 The Asian Development Bank contributed an amount of 200 million dollars for the implementation of MGP. The project covered 2587 institutions in the state. See, ADB Vaypa Nilachu, Bharana Naveekaranavum, (Malayalam), Mathrubhumi, Kozhikode, 7-11-2006, P-1.

11 The themes of MGP were, (i) ensuring assured levels of basic services to the poor; (ii) building an enabling environment for growth; (iii) efficient, effective, and accessible local self-government ; (iv) enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of core government functions; and (v) fiscal sustainability. See, India: Modernizing Government and Fiscal Reform in Kerala Program, ADB Completion Report, April, 2007, Pp.42-43, http://www2.adb.org/Documents/PCRs/IND/31328-IND-PCR.pdf, Accessed on 17-04-2012.

12 Source, India: Modernizing Government and Fiscal Reform in Kerala Program, ADB Completion Report, April, 2007, P-46, http://www2.adb.org/ Documents/PCRs/IND/31328-IND-PCR.pdf, Accessed on 17-04-2012.

13 See Appendix 3,Vision statement of IT policy 2007

14 Source, E-Governancil Keralam Onnamath, (Malayalam),Mathrubhumi, Kozhikkode, 13-02-2007, P-10.

15 See G.O. (Ms) No.28/2008/ITD, Dated.26 -07-2008.

16 Source, IT Mission Adya Kadalas Rahitha Sarkar Office, (Malayalam), Malayala Manorama, Kottayam, 16-02-2008, P-6.

17 In 2009 the Government of Kerala constituted a special cell to implement the business re-engineering process. By this programme the entire set of laws, rules, regulations, instructions codes and manuals related to government functioning were to be revamped. For details see, Girish Menon, E-Governance Plan Get off the Ground. The Hindu, Kochi ,13-11-2009, P. 7.

18 The plan was announced by the Chief Minister of Kerala on 04-06-2012, in connection with the first anniversary of United Democratic Front (UDF) government in the state.

19 Source, Kerala to be First Fully Digital State, The Hindu, Kochi, 5-06-2012.P-6.

20 See, Vikas Bajaj, Transparent Government, via Webcams in India, New York Times, 17-07-2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/ 07/18/business/global/in-india-an-official-puts-a-webcam-in office.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Kerala&st=cse, Accessed on 18-07-2011.

21 Source, Mukhymanthri Eny Oru Vilippadakale, (Malayalam), Malayala Manorama, Kottayam, 02-09-2011, P-1.

254

22 See, FRIENDS Kendrangal:Mugham Thirichu Vakuppukal, Sevanangal

Chattappady, (Malayalam),Dhanam Magazine,Kochi, 23-04-2012,P-13

23 The E-District project is to be supplemented with an IT friendly eco system in the respective districts. This is to be produced with the establishment of rural IT parks. These establishments were to be managed by Panchayat level institutions. See, G.Prabhakaran. Piolot e-District project in Palakkad. The Hindu , Kochi,13-11-2009, P-1.

24 At Palakkad district all the 156 villages were connected to the taluk offices and services were automated. The revenue administration in the district level is also computerized and connected to the other nodes. See, Palakkad to be the First E-governed Revenue District, The Hindu, Kochi, 25-12-2009, P-4.

25 According to government notification 23 services are available in E-District project. These services are delivered by village/Taluk office. See G.O (P) No.24/2010/ITD. Dated, 4-8-2010, Published in Kerala Gazette (Extraordinary), 55(1858), Dated.10-08-2010, P-4.

26 Source, http://www.info.edistrict.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_ content & view= article & id=2&Itemid=18. Accessed on 15-03-2012.

27 The results are from an experiment of the researcher at Thaliparamba village office in Kannur district.

28 It is observed that in some cases the certificates were issued at the same day.

29 See, G. Mahadevan, University Plans Online Admissions, The Hindu, Thiruvanthapuram, 9-05-2011, http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-Kerala/article2002910.ece, Accessed on 9-05-2011.

30 Source, http://www.ekendra.org/ Accessed on 09-06-2012.

31 During the initial stages of Akshaya the social development aspect of the project was held in high esteem by many entrepreneurs. These socially driven entrepreneurs tended to work hard on providing universal access or e-literacy and e-governance services for people in rural areas. See, Kuriyan, (2008:98).

32 The village portal ente gramam contains a ‘contact us’ link. This contains two portions, the first link leads to the district monitoring agency of the project. The second link is the E-Mail ID of the community coordinator of the portal. In an experiment it was found that most of the E-Mail IDs of community co-ordinator are presently not in use (As on 04-04-2012). The district monitoring authority ID was existing, but enquiry was not acknowledged.

33 This prestigious project was announced in 2011 and is currently in the pilot stage. The software can help to prepare time table, progress report, admission documents, transfer details and scholarship forms. See, School Kuttikalude

255

Samagra Vivaravumayi ‘Sampoorna’. (Malayalam), Malayala Manorama, 20-08-2011, P-1.

34 The training was inaugurated on 20-08-2011. The package contained use of software, operating systems, office packages, Malayalam computing and internet.

35 Source, Hussain S, School Adyapakarkku Computer Parinjanam Nirbandamakkunnu, (Malayalam), Malayala Manorama, Calicut, 7-7-2011, P-13.

36 The IT@School project won many prestigious national and international awards. This include, National E-Governance Award 2006 instituted by Government of India for exemplary leadership in E-Governance, The World is Open Award instituted by Skoch and Redhat foundation for Adopting Open Source in Education (2008), E-India Award 2008 instituted by Centre for Science, Development and Media Studies (CSDMS), New Delhi for the best initiative in digital learning and ODF Alliance International Award 2009 instituted by ODF Alliance for initiatives in Open Document Adoption.

37 Source, Ella School Melakalum Eny Onlinil, (Malayalam), Mathrubhumi, Calicut, 21-10-2011, P-14.

38 The Cochin city police commissioner issued a circular to subordinate officers in 2009. It says that E-Mail communication will be used for all routine police communications. The officers were to check their mailboxes at least once in 12 hours.

39 However it was found that the Criminal Gazette is not well updated. On 11-06-2012, it was observed that the Gazette contained information up to January 2012.Source, http://www.Keralapolice.org/newsite/gazette_decem_11.html, Accessed on 11-06-2012.

40 The introduction of digital cameras for checking traffic violation is found to be a successful initiative in the cities and later the scheme was introduced in the rural areas also. See, Savitha S Balan, Traffic Violation: No Escape from Camera Eyes in Rural Areas too, The New Indian Express, Kochi, 9-04- 2012, P-6.

41 The E-Chellan was introduced in the district of Trivandrum in association with State Bank of India. Traffic law violators will be issued a demand notice containing a 10 digit code. Penalty can be paid in any branch of the bank using the 10 digit code. This will reduce the work load of police officers and will be convenient for the general public. See, Traffic E-Chellan Samvidanam Thudangi, (Malayalam), Mathrubhumi, Kottayam, 18-11-2011, http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ online/ malayalam/news/story/1282632/2011-11-18/ Kerala, Accessed on 18-11-2011.

256

42 Source, Shan A.S., Police Going Paperless, The New Indian Express, Kochi,

9-04- 2012, P-6.

43 See, Online Registration Vazhi Manikkuril Ayiram Perku Darsanam, (Malayalam), Mathrubhumi daily, 17-11-2011, http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ story.php?id=230467, Accessed on 17-11-2011.

44 An amount of one crore is earmarked for the implementation of GPS system in the department, See Budget speech of Finance Minister, Government of Kerala (Budget 2012-13:93 (Cl.354)).

45 The website of state civil service department, Kerala http://civilsupplieskerala.gov.in was selected as the site of the week by Government of India during 13-19, May 2012, Source, http://india.gov.in/outerwin.php?id=http://goidirectory.nic.in/. Accessed on 16-05-2012.

46 Source, ‘Thengu Kayaran Alu Veno; Site Undu Sahayikkan’, (Malayalam), Mathrubhumi, Kozhikkode, 5-11-2011, http://www.mathrubhumi.com/tech/ coconut-development-board-coconut-palm-climbers-friends-of-coconut-trees-Kerala-2277, Accessed on 22-03-2012

47 Source, Budget speech of Finance minister, Government of Kerala (Budget 2012-13:625 (Cl.69). Accessed from http://www.finance.Kerala.gov.in, Accessed on 22-03-2012.

48 Source, Byju Aryad, A mobile way to Pay Your Bills in Time, The New Indian Express, Kochi ,10-01-2012, P-1.

49 See, http://india.gov.in/outerwin.php?id=http://goidirectory.nic.in, accessed on 24-04-2012.

50 Source, https://smartweb.Keralamvd.gov.in/kmvdnew/services/estatistics/ servicecnt.php, Accessed on 24-04-2012.

51 Source, Azhimathikkare Pidikkan Ella Rtokalkkum Digital Camera. (Malayalam), Mathrubhumi, 4-01-2012, http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ online/malayalam/news/story/1371763/2012-01-04/Kerala, Accessed on 04-01-2012.

52 Source, M.S. Ullas, Sookshikkuka, Niyamam Thettichu Vandiyodichal Kudukkan Camera Keni, (Malayalam), Malayala Manorama, Kochi, 8-08-2011, P-13.

53 Source,http://www.info.spark.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content& view=article&id=1&Itemid=59, Accessed on 09-04-2012.

54 See, Circular No. 7909/IT-SF/2012/FIN, Finance (IT-SF) Department, Dated 24-02-2012.

257

55 Source, www.SAND.gov.in, Accessed on 21-03-2012.

56 For details see, No.B -53997/2011, Press release of District Collector Thrissur, Dated.28-01-2012.

57 See, http://india.gov.in/outerwin.php?id=http://goidirectory.nic.in/, Accessed on 21-03-2012.

58 Source, Pothumaramathu Vakuppil E-Tender Ezhumuthal, (Malayalam), Mathrubhumi, 18-11-2011, http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ online/malayalam/ news/story/1283260/2011-11-18/Kerala, Accessed on 18-11-2011.

59 During 2011, the PSC had released 556 rank lists containing over 51,000 candidates. Advice memos were issued to 31,153 rank holders during the same period. From April 2011 to March 2012, it conducted 192 examinations.

60 Source, Kerala Public Service Commission Introduces ‘One Time Online’ Registration, Kerala IT News, 29-04-2012, http://Keralaitnews.com/e-governance/118-e-governance/4634-Kerala-psc-public-service-commission-online-registration, Accessed on 14-04-2012.

61 Presently the vacancy reports are sent to the PSC through ordinary mail or through special messenger. This results in delay in filling the vacancies and thus the commission demands that the government departments and corporations should move to online mode. See, PSC Ozhivukal Reportingum Onlinilekku, (Malayalam), Mathrubhumi daily, 17-04-2012, http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ online/malayalam/news/story/1555603/2012-04-17/Kerala, Accessed on 17-04-2012.

62 The E-Krishi portal is available at www.e-krishi.org. However many links in the portal are not yet activated. For example daily market service update is not available.

63 The state government is planning to introduce toll free number to receive complaints from traders. The complaint will be mailed to the Deputy Commissioner for adequate action. This will improve the efficiency of check posts and bring customer satisfaction.

64 For details see, ‘Vaithuthi: SMS Parathy Nalemuthal. (Malayalam), Malayala Manorama, Kottayam, 18-08-2011, p-11

65 It is argued that the introduction of free software in the IT@ school project in the state fetches a profit to the tune of Rs1.4 Crores per year to the exchequer. See the statement of director IT@school , Malayala Manorama,Kottayam, 16-06-2011, p-16

66 “There is always a danger that decentralisation of power might lead to decentralisation of corruption. Substantial availability of funds without an

258

adequately transparent system of checks and balances might prompt rent seeking behavior among the local vested interests”, See, Isaac (2001:38).

67 Source, Government Circular No.16993/IB1/2010/LSG, Dated, 09-03-2010.

68 See, G.O (Ord) No.1972/2011/LSG, Dated.22-08-2011.

69 The blogs of Chathannur panchayath in Kollam district and Chapparapadavu panchayath in Kannur district needs special mention. They are well updated and provide valuable services.

70 See, G.O. (MS) No.98/2011/LSGD. Dated 28-05-2011.

71 For details refer, Kasargod Nagarasabha E-Payment Samvidanathilekke, (Malayalam), Panchayth Raj Magazine, 2011,51 (9),P-37.

72 Source, http://lsgKerala.in/manjeshwarpanchayat, Accessed on 23-04-2012.

73 In Veloorkkara Panchayath, Thrissur District, computerization of documents was completed at the initiative of individual officers. Now they claim that most of the certificates can be issued at a click.

74 See, Financing Agreement (Kerala Local Government And Service Delivery Project) Between India And International Development Association, Dated 4-07-2011, P-4.

75 Source, G.O. (Ms) No.360/2005/LSGD, Dated 1-12-2005.

76 Presently physical instruments are adapted for data transfer among the Panchayats. With the new network these transfers will be easy and smooth. This will facilitate better communication and administrative engagements between the Panchayats.Refer, ‘GramaPanchayathukale Bandippichu Wide Area Net Work, (Malayalam), Malayala Manorama,Kottayam,9-12-2010,p.9

77 Anchuthengu Panchayat in Trivandrum district and Ala Panchayat in Allapuzha district are yet to provide infrastructures for computerisation. The newly created Edamalkkudy Panchayat in Idukki district is moving towards computerisation.

78 In the year 2008-09, SULEKHA plan monitoring software of IKM won the prestigious CSI Nihilent E-Governance Award. The same software won gold medal of India government in 2009-10. The SEVANA civil registration software won bronze medal of government of India in the same year.

79 The website of local self government was created on December 9, 2002. It provides web pages to all local government institutions in the state .It is claimed that in 2011 the site was visited by 11.52 lakh people from 152 countries.

80 Online registration facility is available in five corporations, 42 municipalities, 65 Gram Panchayats and in Kannur cantonment. See Pillai (2012:17).

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81 See, G.O. (Ms) No.173/10/General Education, Dated 02-09-2010.

82 The government of Kerala made it mandatory for all local government institutions to prepare their annual plan through Sulekha software vide G.O. (M.S) No.7/2004/Planning, Dated 03-02-2004.

83 Source, http://kpcc.org.in, Accessed on 21-03-2012.

84 The Indian National Congress central website is available at http://www.aicc.org.in. It is lacking interactive provisions.

85 The 20th Party Congress of CPI (M) held at Calicut in Kerala, April 4-9, 2012, made effective use of social media and web tools to reach public attention. The party congress opened an official website, www.kozhikkode-partycongress.org. The home page of the website has links to live streaming of events. The official song of the event can be downloaded. The inaugural function and all other public functions in the event were live telecasted through the website. See, Reaching its slogan across Globe, The Hindu, Kochi , 5-04-2012, P-2

86 Source, http://Keralacongressjacob.org, Accessed on 21-03-2012.

87 See, http://www.dyfiKerala.net. Accessed on 21-03-2012.

88 According to the Economist magazine, out of the 50000 shipping boats in Kerala, 8000 boats were equipped with post paid mobile connection in early 2001. Source, Another Kind of Network, The Economist, 01-03-2001, http://www.economist.com/node/518848/print, Accessed on 12-03-2012.

89 The kingdom of Ezhimala (near Payyannur in Kannur district) was a prominent political force during first centuries of Christian era. The Ezhimala king Nannan controlled Poozhinad (present Wayanad and Gudallur region) and Kongunad (present Salem- Coimbatore region). Large numbers of roman coins dated upto 491 AD were unearthed from various parts of north Malabar testifying the close links with the western world. See, Menon (1987:19-20).

90 After the Second World War, the district faced an acute shortage of food supply. Epidemics and famine made the lives of ordinary people miserable. In December 1946, Karivellor, the northern most village of the present Kannur district, made a historic stride in the struggle against poverty and famine. The transporting of paddy from Karivellore to Chirakkal Kovilakom was blocked. The food grains were distributed to the people of the village. The movement was led by peasant leaders like A.V. Kunhambu and K. Krishnan Master. The government used force to oppose the movement and a police firing followed. Two persons became martyrs in the struggle when police opened fire.

91 The people of Kavumbayi, an eastern village of the district, raised their demand for punam cultivation. A strong police contingent was sent to the

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spot. The peasants resisted the armed forces which led to the killing of five peasants in the firing.

92 The Lowest rank is to Idukki district with sex ratio of 1006.

93 Source,http://www.Keraladinesh.com/component/content/ article/ 34 templatearticles/ 58qoneofthelargestindustrialcooperativesocietiesinindiais establishedin1969q", Accessed on 09-04-2012

94 The Arakkal kingdom was established in AD 1545 as a nominal vassal of the Kolathiri rulers.

95 Swaraj Trophy was established in the year 1995 and is awarded for the best Panchayat in the state.

96 Source, http://www.infoKerala.org/connectivity-status-feb-2012, Accessed on 17-04-2012.

97 Source, Muraleedharan (2011,67-93).

98 The idea was not implemented as there was a political change in the Panchayat administration. The new administration is still working on the proposal.

99 Source,http://www.infoKerala.org/software-application-deployment-status-feb-2012, Accessed on 18-04-2012.

100 It is to be noted that the land documents are digitalized and tax payments can be easily transferred to e-payment mode. Thus an applicant for any revenue service need not trouble with attached documents.

101 IKM claims that municipalities in the state are given authority to manage web content (Girija, 2012:16).

102 It is to be noted that with respect to E-Governance, the performance of the state is beyond satisfaction. None of the state E-Governance initiatives found a place in the list of 15 winners in the national E-Governance Award 2011-12, organised under the joint auspices of the Department of Administrative Reforms& Public Grievances and Department of Information Technology, Government of India. See, http://egov.eletsonline.com/2012/02/ winnersofnationalawardsonegovernance201112/, Accessed on 08-04-2012. In 2010-11, the state won two awards for E-Governance. The E-Grantz project of the government won bronze medal in the category of Exemplary Re-use of ICT based solutions and E-Krishi project won Silver in the Specific sector-Agriculture category.

103 The website of E-Krishi provides a typical example. The website contains a link to planting material availability. But when logged into the link (On 11-04-2012) most of the queries provided a single answer- i.e,contact farm for stock details. In another example, the State Tourism Department website

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provides online information on restaurants available in the state. But when logged into the link (On 11-04-2012) it was seen that there is no restaurant in Malappuram, Palakkad and Pathanamthitta districts. In the case of Kannur and Kasargod districts, there is only one restaurant each. An E-mail query in this regard was unanswered.

104 For this investigation the data requested was the number of transactions at FRIENDS during 2010 and 2011. Practically the IT mission posted the data up to 2009 in their website and there is no secrecy in the data. Source, E-Mail communications with Mission Coordinator, Kerala State IT Mission, Trivandrum, response@Keralaitmission.org dated 10-04-2012.

105 In an experiment E-Mail messages were sent to the official address of all the 81 Panchayats and six municipalities in the district. It was observed that one out of 87 ID’s did not exist. Out of the 87 institutions reply came from only four institutions.