Himachal Pradesh has made history by becoming the first state in India to implement a State Data Hosting Policy, marking a significant advancement in digital governance. Gokul Butail, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister on Innovation, Digital Technologies, and Governance, announced this development during a press conference held in Shimla. Butail emphasized the strides made by the Department of Digital Technologies over the last three years, particularly in enhancing e-district services and promoting data-driven governance.

Surge in Online Public Services

When the current government took office, there were approximately 113 online services available to the public. As of now, this number has grown to around 200 services, showcasing the department’s commitment to making governance more accessible and efficient through technological innovations. Butail noted the importance of regular public communication, stating that press conferences serve as a platform to update citizens on departmental activities.

Acknowledgment of Digital Initiatives

Butail mentioned that the department received recognition for its digital initiatives last year, highlighting the accolades awarded by the Indian government. He pointed out the financial efficiencies achieved through database integration in welfare schemes, which has significantly improved service delivery. By merging different databases, around 4.5 million eligible beneficiaries were identified, demonstrating the effective use of technology to prevent ineligible individuals from accessing benefits, thus increasing the government’s revenue.

Improvements in Grievance Redressal

The ‘Nukhsutri Seva Sankalp’ helpline, accessible at 1100, has reportedly yielded promising results, achieving a satisfaction rate of 71 percent among users. Butail claims this rate is one of the highest across the country, underscoring the state’s efforts to enhance public service delivery through efficient mechanisms.

Advancement of Digital Infrastructure

To bolster digital infrastructure, the state has established a data center with a storage capacity of 1,000 terabytes. All state data will be hosted in this facility, facilitating the use of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence. Butail emphasized the necessity of clean and standardized data for the successful implementation of these technologies, underlining Himachal’s pioneering role in this sector.

Personal Commitment to Public Service

Addressing questions on personal wealth and public service, Butail stated that while everyone has their own financial circumstances, public service demands commitment. He expressed that excessive greed would not be appropriate, especially in a public service context. Butail, who comes from a prosperous background and has experience as an entrepreneur, reiterated his dedication to serving the state and the country.

Recognition of Past Contributions

Reflecting on his professional journey, Butail shared his past experiences working abroad and emphasized the importance of contributing to his homeland. He recalled his involvement during the rehabilitation efforts following the natural disasters of 2013-2014, affirming his commitment to public welfare.

Focus on Technology-Driven Governance

Throughout his statements, Butail reiterated that leveraging technology for governance is a fundamental goal for Himachal Pradesh. The initiatives aimed at improving service delivery, ensuring transparency, and enhancing public satisfaction reflect the state’s vision for the future. The implementation of the State Data Hosting Policy marks a significant milestone in achieving these objectives.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!