In a compelling dialogue with ilouge Media, Mr. Tusharkanti Behera, the esteemed Minister for Electronics and IT, Sports & Youth Services, and Home in the Government of Odisha, sheds light on the multifaceted intersection of technology. His unique portfolio places him at the forefront of driving innovation and progress in the state. In this exclusive exchange, Minister Behera offers invaluable insights into the strategic initiatives and transformative vision that underpin Odisha’s growth trajectory. As a leader navigating the realms of information technology, his perspectives promise to unveil the intricate tapestry of Odisha’s journey towards a dynamic and technologically advanced future.
Shifting from traditional citizen support channels to digital channels
Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik, the Government of Odisha has achieved remarkable success across various departments, notably in the health sector. One noteworthy initiative spearheaded by the IT department is the implementation of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna, a digital medical card that has proven to be highly effective.
The digital medical card, which is a testament to the government’s commitment to innovation and technology, has garnered widespread acclaim for its efficient and user-friendly approach. Currently, it extends its coverage to over 3.5 crore people in Odisha who are entitled to receive medical facilities. This initiative caters to the diverse healthcare needs of the beneficiaries, encompassing both empanelled private hospitals and government healthcare institutions.
The financial coverage provided by the digital medical card is extensive, ensuring that all members of beneficiary households have access to medical facilities up to a cost of 5 lakh rupees. Notably, the government has gone a step further in prioritizing the healthcare of women by offering an enhanced coverage of 10 lakh rupees exclusively for female members of the household.
What were the challenges while leveraging new technologies and how to mitigate them?
In the ongoing quest for comprehensive development, the pivotal challenge faced is that of digital literacy. While the government diligently works to extend Internet connectivity to grassroot levels and remote villages through initiatives such as GPS, the crux of the matter lies in ensuring that citizens possess the essential digital skills to harness the benefits of technology and data. Within this context, the honorable Chief Minister of our state introduced a visionary approach encapsulated in the 5T framework, which comprises Teamwork, Technology, Transparent governance, and Timely execution
Emphasizing the use of technology across all departments, the government seeks to empower citizens and streamline processes. The framework further underscores the imperative of maintaining transparency, a crucial element in the digital age, and executing tasks in a time-bound manner.
Digital Transformation: What comes Next?
In the dynamic landscape of government operations, the integration of Information Technology (IT) across diverse departments is synonymous with embracing cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This strategic adoption of emerging technologies is not merely a technological upgrade; it signifies a visionary approach to delivering citizen-centric services. Artificial Intelligence, with its cognitive capabilities, is poised to revolutionize decision-making processes, thereby enhancing government efficiency and responsiveness.
The incorporation of Blockchain technology brings forth a secure and transparent framework, ensuring the integrity of data and transactions. This not only fosters trust among stakeholders but also exemplifies the government’s commitment to transparency in its operations. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) plays a pivotal role by creating a network of interconnected devices, facilitating real-time data exchange and analysis. This interconnectedness optimizes service delivery and overall responsiveness within the government.
The overarching objective of implementing these emerging technologies is to streamline services, placing citizens at the focal point of governance. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and IoT, the government aspires to transcend traditional bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring that stakeholders receive their due benefits in a seamless and efficient manner. The holistic integration of these technologies not only catapults government operations into the digital age but also underscores a commitment to harnessing innovation for the greater welfare of the citizens.
