The concept of development and governance is undergoing rapid and profound transformation world over with the advent of Information Communication Technology (ICT). The increasing focus across countries is leveraging ICTs to enhance development and growth opportunities and better governance and public service delivery. Internet technology is seen as a panacea to address social, economic, administrative challenges in a big way. e-Governance is the new found thrust in policy programmes. The advent of new media technology especially mobile phones have changed the way communities and citizens communicate, get informed and better living opportunities. In India, there are multifarious interventions in ICT for development at the behest of the Government, private and civil society partners. The latest is the Common Service Centre programme across all Gram panchayats in India.
In North East India, there are series of ICT interventions at both national and State levels. At national level, two mega schemes implemented are the Community Information Centre (CIC) and now the Common Service Centre (CSC) programme. While the success and failure of the CIC programme is still being researched and studied, the CSC programme, under implementation, is expected to transform community development and growth through provisioning various e-Gov and other services.
At State level, various ICT programmes are under implementation, all in e-Governance area of framework in various departments. Mention can be made of Vahan in Arunachal Pradesh, eModop in Nagaland and Dharitree in Assam. There are series of computerization programme being carried on in various States under the National e-Governance Programme (NeGP).
Key Issue Areas in ICTD in NE Region
- Accessibility, affordability of ICT services and opportunities
- Pro-active stand at political representative levels
- Pro-active bureaucratic and administrative support and involvement
- Emphasis of technology in policy programmes
- Community / user citizens unaware or little interest in ICTs
- Information and communication on various pros and cons of ICTs including Internet Technology at community and institutional levels
- Streamlining of G2C, G2C, B2C, G2B services
- Infrastructure deployment and usability
- Cost of services
- Involvement of non-governmental stakeholders and their focus on ICTD
- ICTD Research
- Conducive environment for growth and sustainability of innovations and ideas in ICTD
It is against this backdrop that the ‘e-North East 2010’ as NE ICTD Regional Dialogue & Consultation was held on May 28, 2010 in Guwahati. To compliment this effort, Member of Parliaments, Member of Legislative Assemblies from North East India, researchers, academicians, Ministry representatives and other experts were invited to highlight and share thoughts, concerns, ideas, programmes, initiatives and practices of key aspects of development and governance pertaining to the region. On this occasion 6 ICTD practices from the region were felicitated as best practices.
For event report, please click here…