MP emerging as India's IT hub

Good intentions bear no fruit until nourished by a strong political will and futuristic vision. The blooming IT sector in the central Indian state shows the sign of a working of perfect blend of vision and mission of the State Government led by Shivraj Singh Chouhan as Chief Minister.Madhya Pradesh is fast emerging as India's IT Hub for a variety of reasons mainly the supportive infrastructure development and investment-friendly policy initiatives. In a short span of time during a dynamic apolitical leadership, Madhya Pradesh has been rated as one of the first four states of the country witnessing rapid development in information Technology sector. ''IT for social change'' is the motto of all IT enabled services in socio-economic sectors. E-governance is a buzz word now. All government departments have been equipped with computers and are having their own software services for management and administration of the departmental activities. Commitment to socio-economic development through constructive interference of IT has secured to the state a much coveted e-governance award for 2007. The GoI's IT Department has conferred its Golden Icon award to the state's finance department at the tenth National e-governance convention held in Bhopal recently. The award recognizes people-centric excellent IT services for management, maintenance and interlinking of treasuries. The operation of cyber treasury has come as a boon to the tax payers as they are saving a lot of time with the facility of depositing payment from any place and at their convenience. Transparency is the soul of this system and has strengthened the financial administration system. After years of dark circles, MP has stepped into the realm of light keeping pace with most of the southern states that have excelled in IT sector for different traditional advantages like higher literacy of manpower and good connectivity. A number of IT companies have expressed investment plans for the state and many MoUs were signed at Khajuraho Investors' Meet. These MoUs distinctly reflect the faith in Shivraj Singh Govt's policies and futuristic vision. The new IT Policy offering liberal packages to IT industry is yet another reason for investments. Now, the rural areas are also being exposed to IT sector. A target has been set to connect all development blocks with state capital through the computer network with an investment of Rs. 120 crores. No wonder if appreciation comes from a living legend President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam for the State Government's Samadhan On-line' programme as a part of Suraj Abhiyan or Good Governance Drive for positive resolution of public grievances and streamlining district level administrative machinery. The significant part of the mechanism is that a complainant without any hesitation can walk into the District Collector's office from where he can talk to the CM seeking redressal of his grievances through video conferencing. Dr. Kalam while addressing the MP Assembly's special session on July 17, 2006 has complimented the Shivraj Singh Govt for having such an arrangement. Another constructive step is 'Samadhan Ek Din Mein - Jan Suvidha Kendra Scheme'. It is people-centric endeavour of the state government aimed at improving service delivery system. It is now facilitating issuance of different certificates and other documents to the people at district offices. Presently set up at district level, these centres would be subsequently extended to block and tehsil level. Using these centres, service seekers could get bonafide resident certificate, temporary caste certificate, marriage registration certificate, birth certificate, renewal of registration under shop establishment, certificate of BPL list, NCOs, learning driving licences, temporary transport permit, temporary electricity connection, employment registration, identity cards to workers, assistance for funerals to eligible workers, maternity assistance, accident relief, affidavit etc by 4 pm the same day application is submitted with complete documents. A reputed journal representing IT sector, has surveyed 18 states out of 28 states and seven union territories on the basis of human index for the survey. The survey report adjudged MP the best in providing health services, land sale and purchase deal through e-governance and second in vehicle registration, land registration works. The state also topped in execution of rules, procedures and fee, relating arrangements through e-governance. The State also occupies top position in rendering pubic utility services to the citizens of the areas such as municipal corporation, land revenue, income tax and law through e-governance. The e-governance has also powered agriculture sector ensuring benefits to the farmers. As many as 64 Mandis or agri-produce market yards are being electronically connected to divisional headquarters. The agris-net project is a fresh initiative to help farmers sell their produce at handsome prices. The Project involves use of ICT for automation of Mandi Board Head Office, Regional Offices, Mandis and their associated sub-market yards. The V-SAT based communication network being established in 400 locations across the state can also be used for imparting education to farmers like weather forecasting, warnings suggesting them to be ready with precautionary measures. Similarly, e-tendering is going to be a reality in construction departments. Other major computerization projects underway aim at preparing of Smart Cards in Transport Department, creating data base for land resource etc. In fact, Madhya Pradesh tops in the country to have computerized working of Transport Department. New areas like internet journalism, e-commerce are also emerging fast. Chouhan informed the mppost.org that NRI Facilitation Centre has been set up at Bhopal. The NRIs visiting MP can meet the CM on any Monday and get their problems and complaints addressed. Besides, e-tendering system for the contractors has also been put in place. Special training sessions for contractors have also been started to help them submit on-line tender. C.M.'s Monitoring System The CM Monitoring Programme is a comprehensive monitoring system to keep watch on the progress in different areas. All the Departments have to specify the physical & financial targets under each scheme or programme in all districts. The Chief Minister through a specially designed software could monitor the progress and identify the hurdles in achievement of the targets. Exclusive Data On Basic Amenities In Rural M.P. Sarman Nagele

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