Lt Governor Manoj Sinha led team of J&K Union Territory Administration deserves full appreciation for changing the governance system in this terror infested region that has today almost completely come out of the turbulent times that lasted over three decades. It would not be out of context to mention here that the unprecedented transformation being witnessed today is the result of abrogation of Article 370 that had been a huge hurdle in progress and development of this region for over seventy years. It is an acknowledged fact that over the last five years, this Union Territory has witnessed a remarkable transformation in governance through the implementation of various digital initiatives. With the digital technology ruling the roost in today’s era the J&K Govt is continuing its initiatives by making optimum use of digital technology. These initiatives are aimed at bringing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government services that would ultimately go a long way in benefiting the common people of the Union Territory. The initiatives are proving to be a big success as is evident from the fact that a wide range of online services have been provided to the people including the streamlining of land record management with ‘Aapki Zameen Aapki Nigrani’ having revolutionized the land record management. This programme allows citizens of J&K to access their land records online, reduce the possibility of manipulation and last but not the least it has improved the efficiency of Revenue Department. This digital intervention has also expedited the process of obtaining revenue extracts. The Govt’s prime objective behind such initiatives is to make all services available online, thus minimizing the need for physical visits to government offices. With impressive progress in providing hundreds of services online, the common man in J&K can easily register and apply for various services through the e-Unnat portal and receive the services deliverable in the form of an output certificate/report. The integration of the Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) portal with e-Unnat further ensures transparent, citizen-friendly, and efficient governance. Above all the Auto-Appeal System adopted in these initiatives has proved to be an innovative game-changer thus leaving the least scope for latches. “Digi Dost” that aims to create a network of digitally empowered young volunteers at the district, block, and Panchayat levels is yet another significant initiative in this direction. Thus it would not be wrong to state that J&K has today become a model of good governance to be emulated in the rest of the nation.
