J&K wins National e-Governance award 2014-15 for best district-level initiative

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has been selected for National e-Governance award 2014-15 for its best district level initiative in the country.

J&K state has been selected for this award by Department of Administrative Reforms for its e-Panchayat project.

This award will be presented during 18th National Conference on e-Governance to be held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat on January 30-31, 2015.

Background:

• J&K’s e-Panchayat project was shortlisted among 53 nominees for spot study which was done by PriceWater Coopers Ltd and officers of Department of Administrative Reforms of PMO in November-December 2014.

• Finally it was is selected by the by jury headed by Secretary Administrative Reforms and conferred after approval of Prime Minister who heads Ministry of Personnel, Department of Administrative Reforms.

J&K’s e-Panchayat project:

• It was launched in 2013-14 for strengthening 147 panchayats in the state.

• This project provided platform for a decentralized regime of panchayats in the state by shifting the service delivery from block level to panchayat level.

National e-Governance award:

• It was instituted in 1997. It is given by Department of Administrative Reforms.

Purpose of the award:

• It recognizes the achievements in the area of e-Governance.

• It seeks to disseminate knowledge on effective methods of designing and implementing sustainable e-Governance initiatives.

• Encourage incremental innovations in successful e-Governance solutions.

• Promote and exchange experiences in solving problems, Mitigating risks, resolving issues and planning for success.

It should be noted that J&K state has bagged this award for first time in 18 years since award was instituted.