GS-3, Unit-2, Sub Unit-3, HPAS Mains
Himachal Pradesh, known for its stunning landscapes, is also rapidly advancing in the digital world. The state government understands that Information Technology (IT) can drive development, improve governance, and enhance citizens’ quality of life. This understanding has led to the consistent creation and implementation of progressive IT policies, which have brought tangible improvements to public administration and service delivery.
The state’s commitment to digital transformation is clear from the recent renaming of the Department of Information Technology to the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDT&G). This signifies a broader vision, incorporating not just traditional IT but also emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain, all with a strong focus on effective governance.
State Government IT Policies: Objectives and Governance Role
Himachal Pradesh has a series of IT policies, with the Himachal Pradesh IT, ITeS and ESDM Policy, 2019 being a significant recent one. These frameworks, building on previous policies (like those from 2001 and 2009), aim for a comprehensive digital ecosystem.
Here’s a breakdown of key policies, their objectives, and their role in governance:
1. Himachal Pradesh IT, ITeS and ESDM Policy, 2019 (and earlier iterations):
Objectives:
v Promote Investment: Attract investments in IT, IT-enabled Services (ITeS), and Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM).
v Skill Development: Create a skilled workforce by encouraging IT education, improving its quality, and fostering job creation.
v E-Governance: Use IT for SMART (Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent) governance.
v Digital Inclusion: Ensure equitable IT access for all citizens, especially in rural, tribal, and economically weaker sections, improving social equity and justice.
v Infrastructure Development: Establish and upgrade robust IT infrastructure, including State Data Centers and State Wide Area Networks.
Role in Governance:
v Ease of Doing Business: The IT Department acts as a single point of contact for setting up IT units, simplifying approvals.
- Example: A “Single Window Committee” chaired by the Chief Minister provides one-time approval for IT industry setups, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
v Industrial Incentives: IT and ITeS units receive “thrust industry” status, qualifying them for concessions like interest subsidies, concessional power tariffs, and exemptions from stamp duty.
- Example: IT units with over 100 KW connected load pay a concessional electricity duty for five years, making the state attractive for power-intensive IT operations.
Infrastructure Development:
- Himachal State Wide Area Network (HIMSWAN): This secure network connects all state government departments down to the block level, facilitating electronic service delivery and internal communication.
- HP State Data Centre (HPSDC): Provides a centralized, secure repository for government data, enabling efficient data management for e-governance initiatives.
2. Himachal Pradesh Digital Media Policy-2024:
Objectives:
v Effective Outreach: Improve dissemination of government information and awareness through digital media.
v Empanelment Framework: Establish clear policy for empanelling news web channels, websites, and social media influencers for government advertising.
Role in Governance:
v Citizen Engagement and Transparency: Enables direct and efficient communication with citizens, enhancing transparency and timely updates on welfare schemes.
v Targeted Communication: Allows for precise targeting of specific demographics, leading to better awareness and utilization of government services.
v Example: The policy allows the government to engage social media influencers to promote health campaigns or educational initiatives to specific groups.
3. Right of Way Policy, 2023 (for Telecom Infrastructure):
Objectives:
v Facilitate Infrastructure Development: Provide a framework for provisioning underground (optical fiber) and overground (mobile towers) telecom infrastructure.
v Promote Investment: Offer a transparent mechanism to promote investment in the telecom sector.
v Enhance Connectivity: Ensure high-speed internet and better communication services for citizens and government.
Role in Governance:
v Bridging the Digital Divide: By streamlining telecom infrastructure setup, this policy addresses the need for better connectivity, especially in remote areas, crucial for expanding e-governance.
v Improved Service Delivery: Robust telecom infrastructure is the backbone of all digital services, ensuring reliable access to online government portals.
v Example: This policy facilitates faster deployment of mobile towers and optical fiber, improving services like the e-District portal and online grievance redressal systems.
4. Cyber Security Policy (Part of broader IT security initiatives):
Objectives:
v Protect Digital Infrastructure: Secure the state’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services and infrastructure from cyber threats.
v Data Security: Safeguard sensitive and personal data of citizens and government.
v Promote Awareness: Raise awareness about securing networks, devices, and information.
Role in Governance:
v Ensuring Trust and Reliability: A strong cyber security framework builds trust in e-governance services, encouraging citizens to use online platforms.
v Minimizing Risks: Clear policies and measures minimize data breaches, service disruptions, and other cyberattacks that could undermine public trust.
v Example: The IT Security Policy Manual for HP Treasuries outlines stringent guidelines for password protection and data handling to maintain financial data integrity.
Impact on Governance: Examples
These policies have led to various e-governance initiatives that have transformed government-citizen interaction:
- Himachal Online Seva (e-District) Portal: Provides citizen-centric services electronically, reducing the need for physical visits.
v Example: Citizens can apply for various certificates (caste, domicile), register for pensions, and book HRTC/railway tickets online.
- Mukhyamantri Seva Sankalp Helpline @1100: A public grievance redressal helpline.
v Example: Citizens can register complaints or seek information about government schemes, ensuring timely addressing of concerns.
- eOffice: Aims to digitize government office workflows, reducing paperwork and increasing efficiency.
v Example: Files move electronically between departments, speeding up decision-making.
- HIMBHOOMI (Land Records Computerization): Digitizes land records, making them easily accessible and accurate.
v Example: Citizens can access copies of Records of Rights (RoR) online through eHimbhoomi or mHimbhoomi, enhancing transparency in land administration.
Himachal Pradesh’s IT policies, evolving to encompass broader digital technologies and governance, have been crucial in ushering in an era of SMART governance. By fostering investment, building robust infrastructure, prioritizing digital inclusion, and ensuring cyber security, these policies empower citizens, enhance transparency, and build a more efficient and responsive government.