Delhi gears for cyber governance

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, AUG. 20. Keeping in mind the increasing role of Information Technology (IT) and the major impact that cyber revolution on working styles and delivery mechanisms, the Delhi Government has decided to undertake radical administration reforms to make them more relevant to the present-day needs, in line with the concept of e-governance.

According to a decision at the highest level, the thrust would be to introduce institutional mechanism for speedy decision-making, particularly where more than one department is involved; review procedures and systems to enable quicker expenditure sanctions especially for plan proposals; review the need for reforms and review the proposals for upgrading skills.

In fact, it is learnt that changes were also being made in the recruitment rules to ensure that computer literacy and acquaintance with IT is mandatory for those joining the bodies. The Chief Minister, Ms.Sheila Dixit, is personally overseeing the review of various administrative controls and is keen that the Government shed its secrecy and adopts a transparent policy in its functioning as well as utilisation of development funds.

Insiders in the Delhi Government said the Principal Secretary (Finance) and Secretary (Planning) have been asked to review jointly the role, mandate and procedures in the Planning Department. This department, sources said, had a special role to play in motivating to adopt and introduce new technologies, strategies and ideas in securing the implementation of plan programmes and projects.

As a catalyst, it is expected to formulate training programmes which would facilitate introduction of new approaches. The review is expected to focus on the role of the Planning Department as a catalyst.

The Government has also constituted an Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) under the Chief Secretary consisting of Principal Secretary (Finance), Principal Secretary (IT), Secretary (Administrative Reforms), Secretary (Planning) and Secretary (Law and Justice & LA).

The ARC has been given the mandate to review procedures and systems to expedite implementation of projects and programmes, reducing the scope for public grievances and suggest short-term (3 to 12 months), mid-term (1 to 3 years) and long-term (3 to 5 years) measures for securing implementation of changes.

The vital role for training has been recognised by the Government with a view to upgrading skills. The State Government is of the view that the specific problems of the city require induction of new and specific capabilities to deal with the problems of transport, power, water supply and environment. Therefore, apart from seeking changes in administrative procedures or cooperation of the citizens, the Government has also set up a standing committee on training under the chairmanship of Mr.S.C. Vaish, chairman of the Pulic Grievances Commission.

The committee consists of the Principal Secretary (IT), Secretary (Training), Principal Secretary (Training and Technical Education) among others. It is required to present a status paper within 60 days and annually thereafter by the first day of May each year.

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Section  : Other States
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