Baramulla Administration holds discussions with stakeholders on e-governance initiative

Baramulla, Nov 3: The Baramulla district administration on Friday engaged with RTI activists, social activists and other stakeholders to discuss the transition from manual to online mode of governance.

The interaction was organised as part of the Vigilance Awareness Week with a theme “Say no to corruption, Commit to the Nation,” aimed to bridge the gap between government services and the public while focusing on employment generation schemes.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Baramulla, Zahoor Ahmad Raina in his address emphasized the pivotal role of activists as channels that activate officers and connect the government with the people. The event featured comprehensive discussions on the transition of self-employment schemes from a manual to e-mode, with the collaboration of JK Bank and the availability of these services on the GSS portal. “These schemes primarily target the youth of Jammu and Kashmir,” Raina said.

Officials at the event highlighted that the introduction of online services was meant to facilitate business and reduce unnecessary contact with government officials, making them accessible with just a click of a button. Common Service Center (CSC) operators demonstrated how to avail benefits from schemes such as the marriage assistance scheme, which provides Rs 50,000 in assistance to underprivileged females prior to their weddings, eliminating the need for office visits.

The officers however stated that while over 1070 government services are available online lack of awareness among the masses has hindered their widespread adoption.

“For example, females often approach government offices for marriage assistance just days before their wedding, unaware that the process takes around a month to complete,” the officer said.

Officers from the Social Welfare Department in Baramulla emphasised how they have simplified the process of obtaining marriage assistance for the females.

Similarly, the revenue department officers highlighted various online services and the digitization of 100 percent of revenue records in Baramulla district.

“The applicants should remember that once they apply for something online, they will receive their final desired product, certificates, in online mode only,” an official from the revenue department said.

Employees from JK Bank also shared insights into financial frauds perpetrated by scammers, targeting elderly people under the guise of online services.

Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Baramulla Aijaz Abdullah Saraf in his interaction with the stakeholders said that various major initiatives have been taken to curb corruption. He also highlighted the measures taken by the government towards its zero tolerance policy for corruption.

During the event, RTI activists and social activists expressed concern regarding the challenges faced by the public during the transition from manual to online governance. They called on the Baramulla administration to conduct grassroots awareness campaigns regarding government schemes and online services. Additionally, they urged the implementation of proper regulations for CSCs, emphasising the need for fixed rate lists for services provided to the public.