E-governance plan aims to cut red tape in govt.

Byline: SEETHALAKSHMI S

: To ensure speedy decision-making and cut the red-tape out of administration, the state government is in the process of formulating a governance-strategy action plan which, among other things, envisages the setting up of a file-monitoring system for the bureaucracy.

From simplifying rules and procedures in day-to-day administration in all government departments to use of computers and e-mail for all official transactions, the plan aims at making the government delivery system more focussed and target-oriented.

A sum of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked for e-governance in administration in the state budget for 2002-2003.

Official sources told The Times of India that the action plan would be completed by August. ``We want to usher in e-governance specially in people-oriented departments like transport, rural development and municipal administration. The idea is to ensure speedy-decision making,'' they said.

The action plan envisages establishing a file monitoring system which will enable secretaries of all departments to monitor the movement of files in their departments. ``Every bureaucrat must know the status and reasons for the pendency of each file. This system will bring in accountability too besides enabling senior officials to take action against delay in clearing files,'' sources pointed out.

...