In a dynamic dialogue at the forefront of technological advancement and public service innovation, ilouge Media engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with General (Dr) Rajesh Pant, Former – National Cyber Security Coordinator, PMO, Government of India, a visionary leader in the realm of technology and citizen-centric services.
Delving into the intersection of cutting-edge technology and the imperative of serving the needs of citizens, the discourse illuminated the transformative potential of modern advancements in enhancing the overall quality and accessibility of public services. As the discourse unfolded, it became increasingly apparent that the convergence of technology and citizen-centricity stands poised to redefine the landscape of governance and service delivery, propelling societies towards a more inclusive and responsive future.
How can Blockchain Technology be used to improve e-Government Services?
Blockchain refers to the concept of a distributed ledger, which offers significant benefits in terms of immutability, ensuring that records cannot be altered by a single entity.
Some of the applications that are being utilized include the management of land records, where significant issues have arisen regarding the ownership of certain plots of land. These problems have now been resolved, resulting in a system where each plot of land is associated with a single owner.
The education sector provides another example. I recall a significant event at IIT Kanpur in December last year, where the honorable Prime Minister addressed the graduates remotely due to the COVID situation. Utilizing blockchain technology, he awarded degrees to 1700 students spread across the nation with the simple press of a button. This innovative concept has been adopted by the UGC for awarding university degrees as well. Using blockchain technology, they are utilizing certificates to ensure that no tampering can occur.
The finance sector is no stranger to the use of blockchain technology, as it has become a staple for banks worldwide. Its applications are numerous, such as ensuring secure transfers and transparent transactions. In fact, the possibilities for blockchain technology are limitless, with new and innovative applications constantly emerging.
What are the main challenges and courses that control e-government in India?
India has its own challenges, with the primary one being the utilization of regional languages due to the country’s multitude of linguistic diversity. The task at hand involves developing an application that caters to all the states.
Second, we also encounter the issue that our tier two and three cities, as well as rural areas, are populated by individuals who are not particularly knowledgeable about the internet. This creates a digital divide – if you lack digital literacy skills, how can you utilize these applications? Initially, there will inevitably be challenges that require the individuals to receive training and education in order to increase their awareness.
The third issue pertains to the secure management of our vast amount of data. Privacy has become paramount with the emergence of the new Digital Data Protection Act. Hence, it is crucial for us to devise a robust strategy to safeguard our data effectively.
So, it is crucial to obtain the consent of the individual prior to collecting any data. Furthermore, it is essential to explicitly communicate the purpose for which their personal data is being collected and how it will be used over a specific timeframe. After said years, one must remove it. There is a new process in place and how it will be implemented for all Citizen Services poses a significant challenge that needs to be addressed.
How did you use your experience to influence your decision making?
I served in the Army for a total of 41 years. Throughout our time in the military, we received comprehensive training in various leadership and decision-making skills from the very beginning of our careers. Then, I pursued a specialized management course at the College of Defense Management, where I also had the privilege of serving as a faculty head.
The Army offers a wealth of knowledge in terms of building confidence, accepting and confronting challenges, and overcoming them. These experiences greatly contribute to the development of effective decision-making skills. Additionally, the diverse range of individuals hailing from various regions of India further enriches these learnings within the Army.
We acknowledge the cultural practices of different communities, and the Army upholds a policy of Sarva Dharma, which means respect for all religions. This inclusive approach ensures that there is no discrimination, and all individuals are treated equally.
The soldier holds great significance as they are trained to collaborate with individuals at the grassroots level, fostering a sense of teamwork. In the military, everything revolves around teamwork, instilling essential attributes and qualities such as leadership. These principles are also embraced in the private sector, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and effective leadership.
My experience, particularly in the Army, has been instrumental in my current position. I had the privilege of serving as the national cyber security coordinator for five years under the prime minister’s office, which undoubtedly remains the highlight of my career.
