J&K emerges as digital governance trailblazer, achieves second highest position nationally

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In a remarkable stride towards modernizing public services and embracing digital governance, Jammu and Kashmir have achieved an impressive feat.

Chief Secretary, Arun Kumar Mehta, proudly announced the integration of 913 citizen-centric online services onto the e-UNNAT portal.

This strategic move has propelled Jammu and Kashmir to secure the coveted second position among all States and Union Territories in India, underscoring its commitment to enhancing ease, accessibility, and convenience for its citizens.

“We consider this achievement a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to offer seamless services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Chief Secretary Mehta affirmed.

The surge from a mere 35 online services in 2021 to a whopping 913 at present showcases the resolute dedication of the J-K administration towards embracing digitalization. This advancement positions the region ahead of Kerala, which currently offers 911 online services, and places it in second place nationwide, trailing only Madhya Pradesh.

The transformational ‘Digital J-K Programme’, introduced with great vigour last year, has been instrumental in this digital leap. The surge in the range of online services reflects the collaborative efforts of the IT Department and NIC, both of which have played a pivotal role in streamlining services across various departments. This includes services tailored to citizens’ needs, ranging from health and education to the critical ‘Nasha Mukht J-K’ initiative aimed at combatting substance abuse.

Chief Secretary Mehta emphasized the significance of continued refinement and said, “While the expansion of our online services is remarkable, our focus remains on quality and citizen satisfaction.”

He highlighted the need for consistent monitoring of service quality and active consideration of public feedback. To ensure the wider populace is informed and empowered, an extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign is in the pipeline, aimed at educating the public about these digital endeavours and encouraging wider adoption of online services.

The technological wave has ushered in a new era of governance in Jammu and Kashmir, allowing citizens to access services around the clock through a unified portal and the ‘mobile dost’ app. This heightened accessibility is further boosted by the integration of the Rapid Assessment System (RAS) which encourages citizen feedback. Remarkably, over 52 lakh SMS feedbacks have already been sent, and they hold an impressive approval rating of 86 per cent.

Furthermore, the innovative Auto Appeal System has been integrated into 300 online services. This mechanism escalates appeals to the appropriate authorities when services are not rendered within the stipulated timelines defined under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA).

These measures have tangibly heightened transparency and accountability within government departments, concurrently bringing administration closer to the doorsteps of the people within the Union Territory. (ANI)