Srinagar: In a bid to promote transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has introduced a series of digital initiatives to make administration more accessible to the public.
These initiatives, according to the officials, aim to facilitate ease of access to government services, reduce hurdles, and empower citizens to engage and participate actively in governance.
Pertinently, one of the key digital initiatives is the introduction of the J&K e-Services portal, a one-stop platform that provides streamlined access to various government services.
An official while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Citizens can avail of a range of services such as obtaining birth and death certificates, land and property-related documents, vehicle registrations, and licenses through the online portal. This centralized platform eliminates the need for citizens to physically visit different government offices, saving time and effort.”
He said, “Furthermore, the J&K Government has implemented a robust digital infrastructure across its various departments. This includes the establishment of computerized centers in remote areas to ensure that residents from all regions have access to online services. Additionally digital kiosks and internet connection points have been put in place in rural areas to bridge the digital divide and enable citizens to access government services conveniently.”
“To enhance citizens’ engagement in governance, the government has introduced many mobile applications which provide real-time information and updates on government schemes, policies, and initiatives. These applications ensure that citizens are well-informed about ongoing projects and can actively participate in decision-making processes. Additionally, the online applications enable residents to provide feedback and report grievances directly to the concerned authorities, fostering transparency and accountability in administration,” the official added.
The J&K administration, according to the officials, has also placed a strong emphasis on digitizing administrative processes to streamline workflow and eliminate delays. “The implementation of e-governance systems has automated several administrative processes, reducing paperwork, and enabling faster decision-making. This includes digitizing the issuance of government orders, notifications, and public circulars, ensuring prompt and widespread dissemination of information,” the officials said, adding, “To ensure the digital initiatives are inclusive, the government has actively promoted digital literacy programs across the region. These programs aim to equip individuals with the necessary skills to leverage digital platforms effectively. The training includes imparting knowledge on basic computer skills, digital transactions, and online security, enabling citizens to fully utilize the benefits of the government’s digital initiatives.”
Introduction of digital initiatives has greatly simplified the administrative processes and have improved efficiency. Moreover, these steps have increased citizen engagement and participation in governance, allowing individuals to actively contribute to the decision-making process.