The West Bengal Electronics Industry Development Corporation Limited (WEBEL) has played a significant role in transforming e-governance and public service delivery in West Bengal. Its initiatives have helped make government services more accessible, efficient, and citizenfriendly.
E-Governance Infrastructure
WEBEL has built important systems to make e-governance work effectively in West Bengal. These systems make government processes faster, more organised, and easier for citizens to access. Two key projects that have helped achieve this are:
- West Bengal State Data Centre (WBSDC)
The West Bengal State Data Centre is like the brain of the state’s digital services. It is a highly secure facility where all the important government applications and data are stored.
- Why it is important: It acts as a central hub, meaning all government departments can access and manage their digital services from one place. For example, if citizens want to apply for certificates or check the status of government services online, the WBSDC ensures these services are available smoothly.
- Benefits for citizens: It helps deliver services quickly and without delays. People do not have to visit government offices as much because many tasks can now be done online.
- Benefits for the government: The WBSDC reduces the need for paperwork, saves time, and keeps important data safe and secure.
West Bengal State Wide Area Network (WBSWAN)
The West Bengal State Wide Area Network (WBSWAN) is the backbone of e-governance in the state. Think of it as a huge web that connects government offices across the state, from the capital city to the smallest village.
- How it works: WBSWAN links state, district, and block-level offices through a fast and reliable communication network. This network allows offices to exchange data and work together without needing to physically send papers or files.
- Why it is important: For example, if a district office needs to share a citizen’s application with a block office, this can be done digitally in seconds through WBSWAN. This reduces delays and makes government work more efficient.
- Benefits for citizens: Citizens receive services faster because government offices can now work together seamlessly.
- Benefits for the government: It reduces costs, improves communication, and ensures that all parts of the government stay connected and up to date.
Also Read :- Celebrating 50 Years of WEBEL and the Man Who Built Its Foundation
Easy-to-Use Digital Services
WEBEL has developed digital platforms that make government services easy for people to use. These platforms are designed to save time, reduce the need for physical visits, and ensure that everyone, even in remote areas, has access to essential services. Two great examples are Matir Katha and Telemedicine Services.
Matir Katha
Matir Katha is a special platform made for farmers and people working in agriculture. It helps them get the information and services they need without having to visit government offices.
What it does:
- It provides Soil Health Cards to farmers. These cards give important details about the health and quality of their land, helping them grow crops more efficiently.
- So far, Matir Katha has issued over 6 million Soil Health Cards, making sure that every farmer in the state can take better care of their fields.
- The platform also solves farmers’ problems quickly. For example, if a farmer has an issue with their crops or needs advice, they can get help through Matir Katha. It has already resolved more than 300,000 farming-related issues.
- It reaches 100% of farmers in West Bengal, making it a lifeline for the agricultural community.
Why it matters:
• Patients save time and money because they don’t have to travel long distances for medical advice.
• It also ensures that people in villages can get timely consultations and better care, even if they are far from big cities.
Both Matir Katha and Telemedicine Services show how WEBEL uses technology to improve people’s lives. For farmers, Matir Katha ensures they have the tools and information to grow crops successfully and solve their problems quickly. And for patients, telemedicine makes healthcare more accessible and affordable, especially for those in remote areas.
Improving Safety and Smart Cities
A smart city uses technology to make daily life easier, safer, and more efficient for its residents. WEBEL has been actively working to make cities in West Bengal safer and smarter. Through the use of technology, it has enhanced public safety and improved the way cities are managed. One of its key contributions is setting up CCTV surveillance systems.
CCTV Surveillance for Public Safety:
CCTV surveillance is an important tool that helps monitor public areas, prevent crime, and ensure that people feel safe. WEBEL has taken big steps in this direction:
Surveillance in Newtown:
WEBEL has installed 565 CCTV cameras in Newtown at 82 locations. These cameras keep a constant watch on public areas such as roads, markets, and parks. This helps authorities respond quickly if anything unusual happens.
CCTV in Police Stations:
CCTV systems have also been set up in 545 police stations across West Bengal. These cameras allow police officers to monitor activities in and around their stations effectively.
CCTV cameras make people feel safer because they know public spaces are being monitored. This reduces the chances of crimes like theft, vandalism, or harassment. Police and local authorities can use the footage from these cameras to detect and investigate incidents quickly. It also helps them gather evidence if a crime occurs. With cameras keeping watch, potential wrongdoers are less likely to act, which helps in reducing crimes and keeping the environment secure.
Also Read :- West Bengal Cyber Security Centre of Excellence Leading the Fight Against Online Threats
Training for a Digital World
WEBEL understands that in today’s world, knowing how to use computers and technology is very important. To help people learn these skills, WEBEL has created a network of over 140 training centres across the state. These centres are places where people can learn how to use computers and understand technology.
Working with schools and colleges
WEBEL works closely with schools and colleges to teach students the basics of computers, such as how to use software, navigate the internet, and type documents.
Learning for everyone
The training centres are not just for students. They also help working professionals and people looking for new job opportunities learn valuable IT skills.
Helping Thousands Every Year
Every year, about 12,000 people complete their training at WEBEL centres. These people come from different backgrounds, including students, job seekers, and employees who want to improve their skills. They learn basic computer skills like using MS Office, sending emails, and browsing the internet, as well as more advanced skills like coding, IT troubleshooting, and software development. Learning these skills helps people find better jobs and prepares them to work in offices, factories, or even start their own businesses.
Using Blockchain Technology
WEBEL is using blockchain technology to improve government services and make them more secure. Blockchain is a special type of technology that keeps records safe and reliable. It works like a digital ledger that cannot be changed once information is added. This makes it very useful for government work.
Making Tax and Municipal Services Digital
WEBEL has improved how taxes are paid and how people use municipal services. People can now pay taxes online, which is faster and easier, resulting in tripled tax collections in the last 10 years. Additionally, it has digitised the services of the Calcutta Municipal Corporation, making the services more efficient and user-friendly.
WEBEL’s work has improved people’s lives in big ways by making real changes for the better in West Bengal. By always looking for new ways to improve and using the latest technology, it has built trust, made services easier, and helped the government work better.
Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter, Instagram.
