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Role of Public libraries in promotion of e- Role of Public libraries in promotion of e- governance: a case study towards grass roots governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh. development in Himachal Pradesh. Sudesh Kumar Sood Sudesh Kumar Sood Librarian (Selection Grade PB-IV) Librarian (Selection Grade PB-IV) Postgraduate Govt. College,Una,H.P Postgraduate Govt. College,Una,H.P Sudhir Kumar Gupta, Sudhir Kumar Gupta, Assistant Librarian (SG) Assistant Librarian (SG) Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, H.P. Nauni, Solan, H.P.

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Page 1: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh. study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh.

Sudesh Kumar SoodSudesh Kumar Sood

Librarian (Selection Grade PB-IV)Librarian (Selection Grade PB-IV)

Postgraduate Govt. College,Una,H.PPostgraduate Govt. College,Una,H.P

Sudhir Kumar Gupta,Sudhir Kumar Gupta,

Assistant Librarian (SG)Assistant Librarian (SG)

Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry,Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry,

Nauni, Solan, H.P.Nauni, Solan, H.P.

Page 2: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

IntroductionIntroduction‘‘Success is a Journey, Not a Destination’Success is a Journey, Not a Destination’ State of State of Himachal Pradesh has been blessedHimachal Pradesh has been blessed with an enormous with an enormous potential of potential of

ITIT. . Every government attempts continuously to bring maximum benefit and Every government attempts continuously to bring maximum benefit and

happiness to majority of its citizens. happiness to majority of its citizens. If the government takes If the government takes recourse to electronic means in delivery of public recourse to electronic means in delivery of public

servicesservices, then no wonder, it becomes easier and this process of the , then no wonder, it becomes easier and this process of the government is government is nothing but e-Governancenothing but e-Governance. State has tremendous potential . State has tremendous potential to to make it to the top notchesmake it to the top notches in the field of e-Governance. in the field of e-Governance.

State has received nine National Awards for its consummations in the State has received nine National Awards for its consummations in the field field of e-Governance of e-Governance

Various projects like e-Procurement, e-District, Human Resource Various projects like e-Procurement, e-District, Human Resource Management System (HRMS), Management Information System (HMIS)Management System (HRMS), Management Information System (HMIS), , HIMSWAN, and Grievance Redressal System, various core ICT infrastructure HIMSWAN, and Grievance Redressal System, various core ICT infrastructure projects like Integrated Community Service Center (i-CoSC) or SUGAM, projects like Integrated Community Service Center (i-CoSC) or SUGAM, Himachal Pradesh State Data Center, Secretariat LAN and Hi-Tech City & Himachal Pradesh State Data Center, Secretariat LAN and Hi-Tech City & Software Technology Park are in the process of implementationSoftware Technology Park are in the process of implementation..

Page 3: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

Definition of E-GovernanceDefinition of E-Governance

E-governance is an emerging trend to re-invest the ways the E-governance is an emerging trend to re-invest the ways the government work and a new model of governance would be based government work and a new model of governance would be based upon the transactions in virtual space, digital economy and upon the transactions in virtual space, digital economy and dealing with knowledge oriented societies.dealing with knowledge oriented societies.

In simple words it is the application of ICTs to governmental In simple words it is the application of ICTs to governmental functioning to accomplish simple, accountable, speedy, responsive functioning to accomplish simple, accountable, speedy, responsive and transparent administration in government. and transparent administration in government.

E-governance is the public sector’s use of information and E-governance is the public sector’s use of information and communication technologies with the aim of improving service communication technologies with the aim of improving service delivery, encouraging citizens in the decision making process and delivery, encouraging citizens in the decision making process and making government accountable, transparent and effective making government accountable, transparent and effective (UNESCO,2010)(UNESCO,2010)

Page 4: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

E-Governance ModelE-Governance Model The present model of e-governance The present model of e-governance

doesn’t aim to reduce the role of doesn’t aim to reduce the role of government in the life of citizens but to government in the life of citizens but to serve them more timely and efficientlyserve them more timely and efficiently

Now it is the government, which tries to Now it is the government, which tries to adopt itself to the life of a citizen adopt itself to the life of a citizen particularly the under privileged as against particularly the under privileged as against the traditional model, which is just the the traditional model, which is just the opposite of itopposite of it

The emphasis is to make the user in The emphasis is to make the user in charge of affairs and in command of charge of affairs and in command of situationsituation

Page 5: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

Objectives of E-GovernanceObjectives of E-Governance

The objectives of e-governance are to enhance efficiency, The objectives of e-governance are to enhance efficiency, provide total transparency, high responsiveness, provide total transparency, high responsiveness, accountability, convenience and accessibility of services accountability, convenience and accessibility of services and information from the point of view of citizensand information from the point of view of citizens

From governments perspective it is to abolish corruption, From governments perspective it is to abolish corruption, cut in costs, an antidote to ‘Parkinson’s law’ i.e., “works cut in costs, an antidote to ‘Parkinson’s law’ i.e., “works expands to fulfill available”expands to fulfill available”

The purpose of this study was to identify the E-Government The purpose of this study was to identify the E-Government related information at the library and to identify current related information at the library and to identify current library E-Government practices in Himachal Pradesh in library E-Government practices in Himachal Pradesh in order to provide practical guidance to public libraries to order to provide practical guidance to public libraries to meet the needs of the local community members they meet the needs of the local community members they serve.serve.

Page 6: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

Role of E-GovernanceRole of E-Governance Increase efficiency by automation, computerization and networking.Increase efficiency by automation, computerization and networking. Supports effective decentralization decision-making by providing an efficient Supports effective decentralization decision-making by providing an efficient

information flow.information flow. Increase accountability of public services to agencies to citizens.Increase accountability of public services to agencies to citizens. Improves resource management.Improves resource management. Offers the various departments and agencies involved in public service Offers the various departments and agencies involved in public service

provision, the facility of effective interface with the citizens.provision, the facility of effective interface with the citizens. Increase the accessibility of individual citizens to information and services Increase the accessibility of individual citizens to information and services

and allow them to influence government operations.and allow them to influence government operations. Provides comprehensive database which helps policy makers to design, Provides comprehensive database which helps policy makers to design,

formulate and evaluate policies.formulate and evaluate policies. Facilitates the strategic planning processes which help organization to Facilitates the strategic planning processes which help organization to

clearly lay down the objectives, goals, programmers’ and projects.clearly lay down the objectives, goals, programmers’ and projects. Enables reduction of paperwork with the use of e-mail and electronic data Enables reduction of paperwork with the use of e-mail and electronic data

interchange.interchange. Enables marketization by supplying information related to the market and Enables marketization by supplying information related to the market and

enhance public service.enhance public service.

Page 7: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

E-Governance Infrastructure E-Governance Infrastructure Projects in Himachal PradeshProjects in Himachal Pradesh

HIMSWANHIMSWAN   State Data CentreState Data Centre State Portal and SSDGState Portal and SSDG Community Service Centers (CSC) or LokMitra Community Service Centers (CSC) or LokMitra

KendrasKendras Integrated Community Service Centers (i-CoSC) or Integrated Community Service Centers (i-CoSC) or

SUGAMSUGAM Scheme Portal (e-Marg Darshan)Scheme Portal (e-Marg Darshan) E-SamadhanE-Samadhan E-SameekshaE-Sameeksha E-KoshE-Kosh HimBhoomiHimBhoomi E-Pension (Pension Disbursement System)E-Pension (Pension Disbursement System) Digital Gazette (e-Gazette)Digital Gazette (e-Gazette)

Page 8: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

HIMSWAN NetworkHIMSWAN Network

Page 9: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

HIMSWANHIMSWAN   Himachal State Wide Area Network Himachal State Wide Area Network oror HIMSWAN HIMSWAN is the core  is the core

infrastructure project under NeGP that intends to support various e-infrastructure project under NeGP that intends to support various e-Governance initiatives in Himachal Pradesh by providing connectivity Governance initiatives in Himachal Pradesh by providing connectivity to Government Offices and Integrated Community Service Centers at to Government Offices and Integrated Community Service Centers at State, District, Sub-Divisional, Tehsil and Block headquarters in the State, District, Sub-Divisional, Tehsil and Block headquarters in the statestate

The HIMSWAN project has been divided into two phases: The HIMSWAN project has been divided into two phases: HIMSWAN HIMSWAN I I andand HIMSWAN II HIMSWAN II

Under the HIMSWAN-I, a Local Area Network with 600 nodes has Under the HIMSWAN-I, a Local Area Network with 600 nodes has been established in HP Secretariatbeen established in HP Secretariat

The HIMSWAN-II project proposal has been approved by the Ministry The HIMSWAN-II project proposal has been approved by the Ministry of IT, Govt. of India.of IT, Govt. of India.

Various applications which are being run over HIMSWAN include Various applications which are being run over HIMSWAN include Online HRTC Bus Reservation, SUGAM (Integrated Community Online HRTC Bus Reservation, SUGAM (Integrated Community Service Centre) bills payment, e-Registration for Electoral rolls, Service Centre) bills payment, e-Registration for Electoral rolls, Factory database for Labour and employment, HP Public Service Factory database for Labour and employment, HP Public Service Commission, Online registration for HP Judicial Services Examination, Commission, Online registration for HP Judicial Services Examination, Court Case Monitoring Software for Divisional Commissioner office, Court Case Monitoring Software for Divisional Commissioner office, Weekly prices of essential commodities and many more.Weekly prices of essential commodities and many more.

Source: Source: http://hp.gov.in/himswan/http://hp.gov.in/himswan/

Page 10: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

State Data CentreState Data Centre In order to consolidate the G2G, G2B and G2C In order to consolidate the G2G, G2B and G2C

services, the State Data Centre project has been services, the State Data Centre project has been proposed under NeGP.  These services can be proposed under NeGP.  These services can be rendered by the States through common delivery rendered by the States through common delivery platform seamlessly supported by core platform seamlessly supported by core Connectivity Infrastructure such as State Wide Connectivity Infrastructure such as State Wide Area Network (SWAN) and Common Service Area Network (SWAN) and Common Service Centre (CSC) connectivity extended up to village Centre (CSC) connectivity extended up to village level. In the case of Himachal Pradesh, the RFP of level. In the case of Himachal Pradesh, the RFP of the project is under review and finalization by the project is under review and finalization by DIT/State. DIT/State. 

Source  Source  www. mit.gov.in/www. mit.gov.in/

Page 11: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

State Portal and SSDGState Portal and SSDG

The State Portal of the Himachal Pradesh has been developed by The State Portal of the Himachal Pradesh has been developed by the State NIC unit. the State NIC unit.

Under NeGP, the Government desires to create an integrated Under NeGP, the Government desires to create an integrated information infrastructure that will expand, integrate and enhance information infrastructure that will expand, integrate and enhance the utility and reach of the services provided by the Government the utility and reach of the services provided by the Government by utilizing the network of the Common Service Centres. In order by utilizing the network of the Common Service Centres. In order to provide single interface for all the G2C services, the to provide single interface for all the G2C services, the State State Portal (SP)Portal (SP) along with along with State Service Delivery Gateway  State Service Delivery Gateway (SSDG)(SSDG) are being developed in the Himachal Pradesh.  are being developed in the Himachal Pradesh.

One can also avail many e-services through the portal that One can also avail many e-services through the portal that includes RTI Search, Online bill submission, downloadable forms includes RTI Search, Online bill submission, downloadable forms for Birth certificate, Ration Cards, Vehicle registration etc., and for Birth certificate, Ration Cards, Vehicle registration etc., and links for schemes like Lok Mitra and AGMARKNET etc.links for schemes like Lok Mitra and AGMARKNET etc.

Currently, the SP and SSDG project is in its implementation stageCurrently, the SP and SSDG project is in its implementation stageSource:  Source:  www. mit.gov.in/www. mit.gov.in/

Page 12: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

Community Service Centers (CSC) or Community Service Centers (CSC) or LokMitra KendrasLokMitra Kendras

An objective to develop a platform enabling Government, private and social An objective to develop a platform enabling Government, private and social sector organizations to align their social and commercial goals, especially sector organizations to align their social and commercial goals, especially for the benefit of the rural populationfor the benefit of the rural population

a total of 3366 Common Service Centers have been sanctioned by the a total of 3366 Common Service Centers have been sanctioned by the Government of India to be setup in Himachal PradeshGovernment of India to be setup in Himachal Pradesh

Integrated Community Service Centre (i-CoSC)Integrated Community Service Centre (i-CoSC)  which is an enlarged  which is an enlarged and improved version of the "LOKMITRA" project (a pilot in Hamirpur and improved version of the "LOKMITRA" project (a pilot in Hamirpur District), is being setup in the state providing one-stop shop information District), is being setup in the state providing one-stop shop information resource and service center for the people ensuring greater transparency, resource and service center for the people ensuring greater transparency, effectiveness, neutrality, responsibility and speed.effectiveness, neutrality, responsibility and speed.

Various services offered by the LokMitra Kendras include Land Records, Various services offered by the LokMitra Kendras include Land Records, Employment exchange services (Job Portal), Electoral services,  Employment exchange services (Job Portal), Electoral services,  Registration for pension schemes, RTI, Public Grievances (Lokvani / Registration for pension schemes, RTI, Public Grievances (Lokvani / Lokmitra mode), Issuance of Himachali Domicile, Caste and Agriculturist Lokmitra mode), Issuance of Himachali Domicile, Caste and Agriculturist Certificates, HRTC / Railway Booking, all Government forms, AGRISNET Certificates, HRTC / Railway Booking, all Government forms, AGRISNET Portal services, E-Kalyan scheme, Examinations results, information related Portal services, E-Kalyan scheme, Examinations results, information related services like Blood donors, Hotel directory, etc., Complaint / FIR registration services like Blood donors, Hotel directory, etc., Complaint / FIR registration with Police, REFNIC etcwith Police, REFNIC etc

Page 13: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

Model of Model of Community Service Centers (CSC) or LokMitra Community Service Centers (CSC) or LokMitra KendrasKendras

Page 14: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

Structure ofCommunity Service Centers (CSC) Structure ofCommunity Service Centers (CSC) or LokMitra Kendraor LokMitra Kendra

NIC Himachal Pradesh State Unit is in the process of establishing Statewide Government NIC Himachal Pradesh State Unit is in the process of establishing Statewide Government INTRANET, connecting the State Secretariat, all the Directorates & State level Offices, all INTRANET, connecting the State Secretariat, all the Directorates & State level Offices, all the District Collectorates & District level Offices of all the Departments/ Blocks & Tehsils the District Collectorates & District level Offices of all the Departments/ Blocks & Tehsils with each other. This project is being executed as a joint project between NIC and the State with each other. This project is being executed as a joint project between NIC and the State Govt. Govt.

District level Web Servers will be installed at the District Collectorates accessed by the District level Web Servers will be installed at the District Collectorates accessed by the respective District level Offices/ Blocks & Tehsils also. State level Web Servers will be respective District level Offices/ Blocks & Tehsils also. State level Web Servers will be installed at the Secretariat accessed by the Directorates and other State level Offices. installed at the Secretariat accessed by the Directorates and other State level Offices.

The State-wide INTRANET will facilitate information flow from District level offices to the The State-wide INTRANET will facilitate information flow from District level offices to the District Web Servers at the Collectorates, and then to the LokMitra Web Server. Similarly, District Web Servers at the Collectorates, and then to the LokMitra Web Server. Similarly, from Directorates to the State Web Server at the Secretariat, and then to the LokMitra Web from Directorates to the State Web Server at the Secretariat, and then to the LokMitra Web Server. Server.

The LOKMITRA Web Server will be installed at the NIC Headquarters accessed by the Citizen The LOKMITRA Web Server will be installed at the NIC Headquarters accessed by the Citizen Information Centres through Internet. IT enabled Citizen Services With the maturing of IT in Information Centres through Internet. IT enabled Citizen Services With the maturing of IT in India, there has been a shift in focus with emphasis being on providing more citizen India, there has been a shift in focus with emphasis being on providing more citizen services. The NIC HP has implemented the following citizen centric projects: services. The NIC HP has implemented the following citizen centric projects:

Electoral Rolls: The Electoral Rolls of HP, in Hindi, covering 42 Lakh electors have been Electoral Rolls: The Electoral Rolls of HP, in Hindi, covering 42 Lakh electors have been published on the HP Government website and can be searched on name, polling station and published on the HP Government website and can be searched on name, polling station and serial number wise.serial number wise.

Web enabled Hotels Reservation System software: The Web Enabled Hotels Reservation Web enabled Hotels Reservation System software: The Web Enabled Hotels Reservation System software developed and implemented for the HP Tourism Development Corporation, System software developed and implemented for the HP Tourism Development Corporation, with hotels CITIZEN CENTRIC ADMINISTRATION with hotels CITIZEN CENTRIC ADMINISTRATION

Page 15: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

Integrated Community Service Centers (i-Integrated Community Service Centers (i-CoSC) or SUGAMCoSC) or SUGAM

i-CoSC (Sugam) brings all citizen related services and information under a i-CoSC (Sugam) brings all citizen related services and information under a single roof, cutting across different tiers of administration, providing single roof, cutting across different tiers of administration, providing services at the doorstep of rural communityservices at the doorstep of rural community

A number of SUGAM Centers have been setup at all Tehsils/ Sub-Tehsils, A number of SUGAM Centers have been setup at all Tehsils/ Sub-Tehsils, Sub-Divisions and District Headquarter of Shimla District and now are Sub-Divisions and District Headquarter of Shimla District and now are being rolled out in other districts as well.being rolled out in other districts as well.

The project enables document submission and collection of licenses or The project enables document submission and collection of licenses or certificates at a place other than the place of sanction (except where certificates at a place other than the place of sanction (except where physical presence is necessary as per law).physical presence is necessary as per law).

Various services like Voter Registration and Issuance of Voter Id, Land Various services like Voter Registration and Issuance of Voter Id, Land record (Nakal/ Jamabandi), Revenue (HimBhoomi-Land records forms), record (Nakal/ Jamabandi), Revenue (HimBhoomi-Land records forms), Transport(Vahan – Vehicle registration and Saarthi – Driving license), Bus Transport(Vahan – Vehicle registration and Saarthi – Driving license), Bus booking & Time table; Caste certificates,  Vacancy listings, Electricity and booking & Time table; Caste certificates,  Vacancy listings, Electricity and telephone bills, REFNIC -Reference Monitoring of Files,  Tourist Information telephone bills, REFNIC -Reference Monitoring of Files,  Tourist Information etc. can be availed through the SUGAM  centers.etc. can be availed through the SUGAM  centers.

  Source: Source: http://hp.gov.in/sugam/http://hp.gov.in/sugam/

Page 16: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

Scheme Portal (e-Marg Darshan)Scheme Portal (e-Marg Darshan)

In order to provide opportunities to the citizen for their economic and social In order to provide opportunities to the citizen for their economic and social development, the State Government has launched e-Marg Darshan projectdevelopment, the State Government has launched e-Marg Darshan project

The portal attempts to provide easy and single point access to information The portal attempts to provide easy and single point access to information about the various Welfare Schemes being provided by the State about the various Welfare Schemes being provided by the State Government for the citizens and other stakeholders. Government for the citizens and other stakeholders. 

Through this portal a citizen can identify schemes for which he is eligible, Through this portal a citizen can identify schemes for which he is eligible, simply by providing information pertaining to his Gender or Age or Caste or simply by providing information pertaining to his Gender or Age or Caste or APL/BPL status or Occupation or Annual IncomeAPL/BPL status or Occupation or Annual Income

Source: Source: http://hp.gov.in/scheme/home/home.aspxhttp://hp.gov.in/scheme/home/home.aspx

Page 17: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

E-SamadhanE-Samadhan

E-Samadhan is the Grievance Redressal System portal of the E-Samadhan is the Grievance Redressal System portal of the Government of Himachal Pradesh. It is web-based software for Government of Himachal Pradesh. It is web-based software for speedy redressal of grievances that has been developed by NIC, speedy redressal of grievances that has been developed by NIC, Himachal Pradesh using ASP.NET. The software gives an instant Himachal Pradesh using ASP.NET. The software gives an instant view of the grievance to both, the concerned office and the public. view of the grievance to both, the concerned office and the public. It also shows the department-wise pendency summary of the It also shows the department-wise pendency summary of the grievance. Implementation of this project has resulted in grievance. Implementation of this project has resulted in enhanced transparency and accountability along with reduction in enhanced transparency and accountability along with reduction in paper work and corruption.paper work and corruption.

  Source: Source: http://admis.hp.nic.in/eSamadhanhttp://admis.hp.nic.in/eSamadhan

Page 18: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

E-SameekshaE-Sameeksha

E-Sameeksha is an e-Governance E-Sameeksha is an e-Governance initiative of Government of Himachal initiative of Government of Himachal Pradesh for effective monitoring of Pradesh for effective monitoring of various schemes rolled out by the various schemes rolled out by the Government.Government.

SourceSource::    http://admis.hp.nic.in/esameeksha/Default.aspxhttp://admis.hp.nic.in/esameeksha/Default.aspx

Page 19: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

E-KoshE-Kosh

E-Kosh is a web portal developed by E-Kosh is a web portal developed by the Department of Finance to provide the Department of Finance to provide State financial reports online. It State financial reports online. It provides the reports of the Finance provides the reports of the Finance Department as well as other Department as well as other Departments of the state.Departments of the state.

Source:  Source:  http://himachal.nic.in/treasury/eKosh.htmhttp://himachal.nic.in/treasury/eKosh.htm

Page 20: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

HimBhoomiHimBhoomi

Developed by NIC state Unit, the HimBhoomi software is a futuristic Land Developed by NIC state Unit, the HimBhoomi software is a futuristic Land Record System that is helping out in resolving the Land Record related Record System that is helping out in resolving the Land Record related issues in the state.issues in the state.

The software is an exact replica of existing manual system with The software is an exact replica of existing manual system with improvements & compatible to requirements thereby enabling its improvements & compatible to requirements thereby enabling its replication without any resistance from the   revenue staff.replication without any resistance from the   revenue staff.

The software comes with built-in user manuals and can be used easily by The software comes with built-in user manuals and can be used easily by village patwari. The software has following five modules:village patwari. The software has following five modules:

Gram Nideshika Gram Nideshika Master Entry ModuleMaster Entry Module HimBhoomi-LaPort ModuleHimBhoomi-LaPort Module    HimBhoomi-Mutation ModuleHimBhoomi-Mutation Module    HimBhoomi-ROR (Nakal) Distribution ModuleHimBhoomi-ROR (Nakal) Distribution Module

Efforts are on to enable encryption/decryption of data in the Efforts are on to enable encryption/decryption of data in the system. Also, the system will be linked with GIS system and integrated with system. Also, the system will be linked with GIS system and integrated with HIMRIS (Himachal Registration Information System).HIMRIS (Himachal Registration Information System).

  Source:Source:  http://himachal.gov.in/himbhoomi/AboutHimbhoomi.htmhttp://himachal.gov.in/himbhoomi/AboutHimbhoomi.htm

Page 21: Role of Public libraries in promotion of e-governance: a case study towards grass roots development in Himachal Pradesh

E-Pension (Pension Disbursement E-Pension (Pension Disbursement System)System)

The e-Pension software is the result of complete reversal of the manual system The e-Pension software is the result of complete reversal of the manual system of pension disbursal and has resulted in direct benefits to both the State of pension disbursal and has resulted in direct benefits to both the State Government and to the pensioners during pilot implementation of the project Government and to the pensioners during pilot implementation of the project in the Districts of Solan and Una since June 2001.in the Districts of Solan and Una since June 2001.

The main objectives of the project include:The main objectives of the project include: Improvise accounting system for recovery of pre-1966 pension amounts from Improvise accounting system for recovery of pre-1966 pension amounts from

other statesother states Providing a 24x7 interface for information and grievance redressalProviding a 24x7 interface for information and grievance redressal Ensuring compliance with Pension RulesEnsuring compliance with Pension Rules A number of process and procedural changes have been made as part of the A number of process and procedural changes have been made as part of the

implementation. These include:implementation. These include: Pension Processing at District Treasury only instead of the sub-treasuries/ Pension Processing at District Treasury only instead of the sub-treasuries/

bank branchesbank branches Pension disbursal through bank accounts onlyPension disbursal through bank accounts only The web-interface of the software is The web-interface of the software is

available available http://himachal.nic.in/epensionhttp://himachal.nic.in/epension  where the details of individual’s where the details of individual’s pension are displayed for the last 12 months.pension are displayed for the last 12 months.

  The project won the Golden Icon Award for Innovative Operations & Best The project won the Golden Icon Award for Innovative Operations & Best Practices-Professional category in the 9th National e-Governance Conference Practices-Professional category in the 9th National e-Governance Conference held at Kochi, Kerala in the year 2006.held at Kochi, Kerala in the year 2006.

Source: Source: http://admis.hp.nic.in/epension/epensionkhoj.asphttp://admis.hp.nic.in/epension/epensionkhoj.asp

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Digital Gazette (e-Digital Gazette (e-Gazette)Gazette)

    Being one of its own kinds, Digital Gazette is the first Being one of its own kinds, Digital Gazette is the first paperless, completely digitized official Gazette in India, which was paperless, completely digitized official Gazette in India, which was first published in Himachal Pradesh.first published in Himachal Pradesh.

The whole process has been decentralized as all The whole process has been decentralized as all departments send their notifications for publication now only departments send their notifications for publication now only through the S/W interface. This has resulted in huge cost savings through the S/W interface. This has resulted in huge cost savings to the State Government besides benefiting the citizens, lawyers, to the State Government besides benefiting the citizens, lawyers, bankers, departments, employees, as any Gazette notification bankers, departments, employees, as any Gazette notification issued after the cut-off date is available on the Internet in issued after the cut-off date is available on the Internet in searchable format.searchable format.

This exemplary initiative has won the Bronze Icon Award This exemplary initiative has won the Bronze Icon Award under Category I-Excellence in Government Process under Category I-Excellence in Government Process Reengineering in the National e-Governance Conference held in Reengineering in the National e-Governance Conference held in Goa on 12th and 13th of February 2008.Goa on 12th and 13th of February 2008.

Source:Source:  http://himachal.nic.in/egazettehttp://himachal.nic.in/egazette

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Role of Libraries in promotion of Role of Libraries in promotion of E-GovernanceE-Governance

Already established libraries especially public libraries can be used as Already established libraries especially public libraries can be used as information centers or public kiosks in the absence of basic information centers or public kiosks in the absence of basic infrastructureinfrastructure

These libraries can work as depository libraries for all types of These libraries can work as depository libraries for all types of government information from where the public can access and government information from where the public can access and monitor the work of its elected officials and policy makers.monitor the work of its elected officials and policy makers.

Libraries can also help to bridge divide in the digital contents by Libraries can also help to bridge divide in the digital contents by providing special services to the general public.providing special services to the general public.

Libraries ensure to freedom to speech, the freedom to read and Libraries ensure to freedom to speech, the freedom to read and freedom to view. When the people are better informed, they are more freedom to view. When the people are better informed, they are more likely to participate in the political process, thus keeping an eye on likely to participate in the political process, thus keeping an eye on their elected representatives and making them more accountable.their elected representatives and making them more accountable.

Local and state government needs access to information from Local and state government needs access to information from comparable jurisdiction in order to do their work effectively and comparable jurisdiction in order to do their work effectively and efficientlyefficiently

In the field of information literacy, library professionals can play a In the field of information literacy, library professionals can play a pivotal role. Besides acting as facilitators and tutors, they can also act pivotal role. Besides acting as facilitators and tutors, they can also act as aspirators’ and help along with teaching community to spread the as aspirators’ and help along with teaching community to spread the culture of information literacy.culture of information literacy.

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Role of Libraries in promotion of E-GovernanceRole of Libraries in promotion of E-Governance

In the words of James Madison “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance In the words of James Madison “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance and that people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves and that people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power that knowledge gives. A popular government without with the power that knowledge gives. A popular government without popular information or means of accruing is it but a prologue to a force or popular information or means of accruing is it but a prologue to a force or tragedy perhaps both”.tragedy perhaps both”.

The main trust in this area should go to the rural public library. A village or The main trust in this area should go to the rural public library. A village or a village cluster with an adequate population should have a community a village cluster with an adequate population should have a community library which will also serve as an information centre.library which will also serve as an information centre.

The Seventh plan Working Report of the Planning Commission states that The Seventh plan Working Report of the Planning Commission states that “No community, institution or organization is considered complete without “No community, institution or organization is considered complete without a good library service. a good library service.

According to the Library Association, Britain, “Community Information According to the Library Association, Britain, “Community Information Services assist individuals and groups with daily problem solving and with Services assist individuals and groups with daily problem solving and with participation in the democratic process.participation in the democratic process.

There are two major roles that public libraries play in the delivery of e-There are two major roles that public libraries play in the delivery of e-governance. The first, information access, involves working in partnership governance. The first, information access, involves working in partnership with other areas of the organization or other tiers of government to deliver with other areas of the organization or other tiers of government to deliver and distribute information personally, seamlessly, wherever and whenever and distribute information personally, seamlessly, wherever and whenever it is desired. The second bridging the digital divide, is achieved by it is desired. The second bridging the digital divide, is achieved by providing access to information, developing training programmes in the providing access to information, developing training programmes in the community, ensuring that all people have to access to information, and by community, ensuring that all people have to access to information, and by understanding the impact of new technologies in the life of people.understanding the impact of new technologies in the life of people.

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Community information services via the E-Community information services via the E-GovernanceGovernance

Services provided at the villager’s door steps via the e-governance route can Services provided at the villager’s door steps via the e-governance route can presumably cut out the inherent social biases. presumably cut out the inherent social biases.

The important task of e-governance is to remain in touch with the concerned The important task of e-governance is to remain in touch with the concerned authorities in villages, blocks, tehsil and districts and even in the Metropolis. authorities in villages, blocks, tehsil and districts and even in the Metropolis.

Richard Heeks points out that governance is both, the present and the future Richard Heeks points out that governance is both, the present and the future of developing countries like India, which still have a long way to go. of developing countries like India, which still have a long way to go. Currently, more than half of India’s villages lack telephone connectivity, let Currently, more than half of India’s villages lack telephone connectivity, let alone internet access. The 26 million phone lines (mostly business-owned) alone internet access. The 26 million phone lines (mostly business-owned) and 2 million internet subscribers that do exist nationwide are concentrated and 2 million internet subscribers that do exist nationwide are concentrated in urban areas, while rural community are left out of the loop.in urban areas, while rural community are left out of the loop.

ICT has made services amenable to people living in cities and villages. The ICT has made services amenable to people living in cities and villages. The GYANDOOT programme in Madhya Pradesh, the e-Seva network in Andhra GYANDOOT programme in Madhya Pradesh, the e-Seva network in Andhra Pradesh, FRIENDS (Fast, Reliable, Instant, Efficient, Network for Disbursement Pradesh, FRIENDS (Fast, Reliable, Instant, Efficient, Network for Disbursement of Services) in Kerala, the Saukaryam project in Vishakapatnam, the of Services) in Kerala, the Saukaryam project in Vishakapatnam, the GRAMSAT project in Orissa, e-Gram Suvidha in 5 districts i.e. Chhattarpur, GRAMSAT project in Orissa, e-Gram Suvidha in 5 districts i.e. Chhattarpur, Bhopal, Dhar, Madla and Damoh of Madhya Pradesh, Lokvani Sitapur, Uttar Bhopal, Dhar, Madla and Damoh of Madhya Pradesh, Lokvani Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh and Lok Mitra in Himachal Pradesh are efforts to foster connectivity, Pradesh and Lok Mitra in Himachal Pradesh are efforts to foster connectivity, accessibility to services and information to the people.accessibility to services and information to the people.

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ConclusionConclusion E-governance is step towards reform in government and administration. These E-governance is step towards reform in government and administration. These

reforms focus on bringing improvements in the service delivery, dissemination of reforms focus on bringing improvements in the service delivery, dissemination of information, transparency, public and private partnership, efficiency and information, transparency, public and private partnership, efficiency and accountability. There is an urgent need for sustainable development, In developing accountability. There is an urgent need for sustainable development, In developing countries like India, it is not easy to fulfill all the pre-conditions.countries like India, it is not easy to fulfill all the pre-conditions.

E-Governance is also seen as a multi- dimensional concept an IT driven methodology E-Governance is also seen as a multi- dimensional concept an IT driven methodology that improves efficiency in administration, brings about transparency and leads to that improves efficiency in administration, brings about transparency and leads to reduction of costs in running the government. There are three main domains of e-reduction of costs in running the government. There are three main domains of e-governance: improving governmental processes (e-administration); connecting governance: improving governmental processes (e-administration); connecting citizens (e-citizens and e-services); and building external interaction (e-society).citizens (e-citizens and e-services); and building external interaction (e-society).

Himachal Pradesh Government, have taken several initiatives for rural development Himachal Pradesh Government, have taken several initiatives for rural development through community information centers. These may be considered as rural electronic through community information centers. These may be considered as rural electronic libraries. The project has been started in Himachal Pradesh to provide IT facility in libraries. The project has been started in Himachal Pradesh to provide IT facility in each and every block. Each CIC will have one server computer system and five client each and every block. Each CIC will have one server computer system and five client configuration computer systems linked in a local area network and connected to a V–configuration computer systems linked in a local area network and connected to a V–SAT for Internet accessSAT for Internet access

From the above assessment it can be concluded that Himachal Pradesh has made From the above assessment it can be concluded that Himachal Pradesh has made encouraging efforts to bridge the gap by initiating a number of projects and encouraging efforts to bridge the gap by initiating a number of projects and programmes for rural and remote locations, a lot more needs to be done to bring the programmes for rural and remote locations, a lot more needs to be done to bring the people into the information society. people into the information society.

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