New Delhi, December 23, 2024: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) convened a conference of IT Secretaries from States and Union Territories on December 17, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Chaired by MeitY Secretary Shri S. Krishnan, the conference aimed to foster collaboration for advancing digital transformation, improving governance, and addressing challenges in bridging the digital divide and strengthening cybersecurity.
Focus Areas of the Conference
The conference addressed key themes to propel digital transformation in governance:
- Improving Digital Infrastructure: Discussions included expanding Bharat Net to block levels and adopting e-office systems to enhance operational efficiency.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: Special emphasis was given to North Eastern and hilly states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, to ensure equitable access to digital resources.
- Capacity Building and Entrepreneurship: Strategies to promote skill development and entrepreneurship were also deliberated.
Recent Initiatives by MeitY
Senior officials from MeitY presented updates on several initiatives, including:
- Expanding Aadhaar’s integration for authentication and benefit delivery.
- The IndiaAI Mission, promoting responsible AI ecosystem growth.
- The DPDP Act 2023, focusing on robust data protection.
- Development of India’s semiconductor ecosystem through the India Semiconductor Mission.
- Policies for electronics manufacturing and integrated cybersecurity frameworks for states.
An interactive session allowed State and UT representatives to provide feedback and suggest improvements to these initiatives.
Thematic Breakout Sessions
The conference featured parallel sessions under three key pillars:
- Data Standardization and Exchange Platforms
- Discussions centered on secure, standardized platforms for data exchange between government departments.
- Emphasis was placed on cybersecurity, adherence to the DPDP Act, and robust data protection measures to enhance efficiency and citizen-centric services.
- Strengthening Digitalization and Service Portals
- Representatives discussed creating family registries, benchmarking digitalization efforts, and enhancing IT agency capabilities.
- Recommendations included regular security audits for software and hardware and anonymization protocols for private-sector engagement.
- Emerging Technologies in Governance
- Discussions highlighted the integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, drones, and machine learning into public service delivery.
- Participants emphasized the need for inclusive technology designs that cater to diverse citizen needs and improve governance in sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Strengthening Digital Governance
States such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Delhi resolved to create a unified digital infrastructure that integrates seamlessly across states and districts. This collaborative approach aims to elevate digital service delivery and modernize governance, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.
Commitment to a Digitally Empowered Future
The conference reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to transform governance. Participants unanimously agreed on the potential of digital tools to unite citizens, foster trust, and deliver innovative public services.
As India continues its journey toward a digitally empowered governance model, the outcomes of this conference are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for its citizens and shaping the nation’s digital future.
