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NEWS-KERALA: Record funds for e-governance in Kerala
Record funds for e-governance in Kerala
By Sanu George, Indo-Asian News Service
Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 9 (IANS) Though Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are
known as the most IT savvy Indian states, it is Kerala that will get a
record Rs.1270 million to boost e-governance.
The money comes from the state government, which will provide Rs.820
million, and the federal funds lying idle for three years.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the state Planning Board here
Tuesday.
"This is the highest allocation made by any state government in a year,"
said V. Ramachandran, the vice-chairman of the board. "The project would be
coordinated by the chief secretary."
The project envisions the computerisation of all government departments and
a training programme for the workforce.
"In three years we should be able to complete the e-governance programme",
Ramachandran said.
As part of the upgradation drive, the secretariat gets Rs.1300 million to
install computers. An IT grid integrating select colleges will be set up on
Rs.60 million. The civil supplies department gets Rs.50 million and the
motor vehicles department Rs.41.4 million. An IT@School project, taking
hi-tech to schools, will get Rs.40 million.
The project would lead to better public service at these departments, said
C.P.John, a member of the Planning Board.
The employment exchanges will also be computerised.
"Currently, these exchanges work for the government sector alone. But once
they are computerised, the private sector too could get candidates from
them," John added.
The project also plans linking all the major libraries in the capital city.
At present, all the 14 districts in the state have computerised counters
where people can pay their electricity, water and telephone bills, motor
vehicle department dues and university fees.
With the IT department being given Rs.3000 million, there may be more such
counters.
To complement the project, the Khadi and Village Industries Board will open
about 1,000 kiosks in the rural areas administered by village councils.
--Indo-Asian News Service
