New Delhi: A two-day Regional Conference on the theme of “e-Governance,” organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in collaboration with the Government of Assam, commenced in Guwahati on January 9. The inaugural event was graced by the Governor of Assam, Gulab Chand Kataria, and Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Addressing the gathering in the inaugural session, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, stated that Prime Minister Modi’s governance reforms have played a crucial role in mainstreaming the Northeast. The government has made groundbreaking decisions for the region’s development, evident in the improved quality of life for its residents. “The Northeast is now being cited as an example of Modi’s development model,” he remarked.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted that the reforms implemented by the Union government aimed at improving governance and service delivery. He mentioned the introduction of Prime Minister’s Awards, based on objective criteria derived from flagship schemes, fostering healthy competition among districts. The Minister proudly noted the participation of over 750 districts and the receipt of excellence awards from the Northeast.
Dr. Singh emphasized that mainstreaming should occur not only in actions but also in thoughts and best practices. He cited the success of the Swachhata campaign, which raised 1162 crore rupees through the sale of garbage, bringing about positive changes nationwide.
Dr. Singh also discussed the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), emphasizing its role in engaging citizens and uniting the entire country. Initiatives like Civil Services Day, Good Governance Index, and regional conferences have significantly expanded outreach to the Northeast.
The Minister asserted that the regional conference on e-governance serves as a vital platform for the exchange of knowledge and practices, promoting mutual benefits. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the government is making substantial strides in IT and new-age technologies for improved governance.
Dr. Singh expressed the importance of working towards the fulfillment of the objective of a self-reliant India by focusing on Vision 2047. He stressed the need for developing the capabilities of officers in their early years, allowing them 20-25 years to contribute to building a glorious and self-reliant India during the Amrit Kaal of the next 25 years.
The inaugural session also featured addresses by Paban Kumar Borthakur, Chief Secretary of the Government of Assam, and Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary of DARPG. Additionally, a booklet on the Journey of 25 Regional Conferences and an e-journal MGMG (July – Dec, 2023 edition) on e-Governance Initiatives were released.
The primary objective of the Conference is to bring national and state-level public administration organizations together to share experiences in innovations in public administration, transforming future public solutions for improving the quality of life, good governance, e-Governance, Digital Governance, etc. The Conference spans two days, during which representatives/DM/DC of States are invited to present PM Awarded initiatives, e-governance Awarded initiatives, and select good governance practices for wider dissemination and possible replication.