What is the approach adopted in implementing the state Mission Mode Project (MMP)? What is the progress of their implementation?
Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been prepared for 14 state Mission Mode Projects and have been forwarded to Government of India for sanction of funds. These DPRs are being evaluated and the sanction of funds is expected early.
In the interim period, 6 mission mode projects viz., enhancing e-Services of civil supplies, registration, municipalities and town panchayats, taluk (block) offices, collectorates and transport departments are being rolled out.
How would you rate your state’s progress towards making it an e-Ready state?
The state has been adjudged as a ‘leader’ in terms of e-Readiness. The state has fully laid the foundation for e-Governance by establishment a comprehensive State Wide Area Network (SWAN), a Data Centre and a number of pioneering citizen service applications. These services will be delivered through the Common Service Centres. The tender for award of Common Service Centres is under fi nalisation and will be awarded by December 2007. Thus, the state continues to be a leader in e-Governance.
What are the business opportunities for the private sector in implementing the various e-Governance projects running in your state?
The Tamil Nadu State Wide Area Network (TNSWAN) project has been implemented in the state in Public Private Partnership mode with TCS. Similarly CSC is also implemented on a PPP mode.
What is the status of SWAN and CSC programme in the state?
Tamil Nadu, is probably the only state, which has a comprehensive State Wide Area Network. The tender for Common Service Centres is also under fi nalisation and will be awarded to private operators soon. A large number of citizen centric services are being planned.
Please share with us on the capacity building programmes being planned / implemented in your state.
Comprehensive plans have been made for building capacity in the state of Tamil Nadu. Proposals have been formulated and have been submitted to the government of India for sanction. An exclusive agency – ‘Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency’ has also set up for this purpose. An e-Governance academy is also proposed for carrying out in-service training of government servants.
What are your state’s key achievements in implementing e-Governance projects?
As stated earlier, the TNSWAN and the State Data Centres have already been established. The front end delivery system i.e., the Common Service Centres will also be placed in January 2008. Thus the infrastructure required for delivery of e-Governance service is fi rmly in place. A large number of innovative and pioneering e-Governance applications have also been developed in the areas such as treasuries, registration, land records, transport, municipalities, agriculture, etc. The detailed project reports for 14 mission mode departments have also been made ready and are ready to be implemented on receipt of funding.
What are some of the challenges that you are facing in implementing the e-Governance projects? How are they being overcome?
Change management is the fundamental challenge being faced in e-Governance projects.
What is going to be the main focus for next few years?
The state has put in place the necessary infrastructure. It has also developed a large number of innovative applications in e-Governance on the ground.The focus is now on standardisation of these applications and delivery to the citizens on a common platform.