Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Friday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of various Information Technology (IT) and e-Governance projects being implemented across multiple departments of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir taken-up in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N).
The meeting besides the Commissioner Secretary, IT, Saurabh Bhagat; and Special Director General, BISAG-N, Vinay Thakur; was attended by the concerned Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, senior police officers, representatives from the National Informatics Centre, and other stakeholder agencies.
A thorough department-wise review was conducted to assess the progress of ongoing digital governance projects, identify challenges, and expedite the completion of technology-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing governance, transparency, and public service accessibility. Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of digital transformation as a fundamental aspect of governance reforms, urging departments to collaborate closely with BISAG-N to ensure the timely completion of outstanding modules. He stressed that all digital initiatives should lead to improved public service delivery, simplified processes, increased accountability, and greater convenience for citizens. The Chief Secretary emphasized the necessity for strict adherence to project timelines and the seamless integration of departmental databases to effectively implement digital governance initiatives. Continuous monitoring, prompt resolution of technical issues, and the adoption of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, were deemed essential for enhancing governance outcomes. During the meeting, significant advancements were reported in various departments. The Finance Department’s AI-based GST Analytics and Fraud Detection Portal has notably improved tax compliance, issuing over 4,300 notices and facilitating substantial revenue recovery. The Power Development Department’s End-to-End Energy Tracking and Management System has progressed to operational deployment, featuring live dashboards and plans for future integration of AI and Machine Learning for enhanced decision-making. The Mining Department’s Integrated Mining Surveillance System utilizes satellite imagery and geo-spatial technologies to monitor illegal mining activities effectively. In the education sector, the JK e-Pathshala Educational Television Channel has expanded access to quality learning resources for students in remote areas. The Tourism Department’s redesigned web portal and mobile application, equipped with an AI-powered chatbot, aims to enhance the visitor experience and promote tourism. The Agriculture Production Department reported on several digital initiatives designed to bolster agricultural services and support for farmers. The Chief Secretary also noted significant improvements in the JK Samadhan grievance redressal platform and the Revenue Department’s modernization of land records and revenue services. The meeting concluded with directives for the prompt completion of pending tasks, improved inter-departmental coordination, and regular reviews of ongoing digital governance projects to ensure their timely implementation across the Union Territory.
