The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has set forth an ambitious vision to establish a robust digital ecosystem under the banner of “Digital J&K.” This mission aims to revolutionise governance by leveraging technology to ensure efficiency, transparency, and seamless service delivery. The strategy devised by the administration encompasses a multi-pronged approach, focusing on policy framework, architecture, infrastructure development, process transformation, capacity building, and service delivery. A significant milestone in this journey has been the launch of the “Digital Jammu and Kashmir” program, which operates in mission mode to enhance governance. The introduction of the e-UNNAT portal has facilitated easy access to government-to-citizen services. The integration of 1166 services, with 501 of them linked to the Rapid Assessment System for real-time feedback, is a commendable feat. This marks a transformative shift from the traditional bureaucratic setup to a more responsive, citizen-centric administration.
A pivotal aspect of this digital transformation is the emphasis on a strong policy framework. The notification of key policies is instrumental in ensuring a structured and secure approach to digital governance. Strengthening data security and disaster recovery mechanisms is another crucial component of this initiative. The establishment of a Government Cloud Environment within the existing State Data Centre will facilitate cost-effective and secure hosting of applications. Additionally, the setting up of a Near Disaster Recovery Centre within 10 km of the SDC and a Remote Disaster Recovery Centre in a different seismic zone will ensure business continuity and protection against data loss in times of crisis.
The extension of the Jammu and Kashmir State Wide Area Network across districts, tehsils, and gram panchayats will bridge the digital divide. The expansion of BharatNet infrastructure will further strengthen digital access across rural and urban areas alike. Furthermore, the planned Cyber Security Cell will play a crucial role in protecting digital assets, preventing cyber threats, and ensuring data privacy. The roadmap laid out is both ambitious and necessary for ushering in a new era of digital empowerment. However, its success will depend on timely execution, interdepartmental coordination, and sustained public engagement.
