Learner’s Submission: Fiji Lands Information Services

“Introduction

1.         The Fiji e-government services mission is to provide cost effective, timely and reliable delivery of ICT solutions through innovative, practical and responsible solutions that drives improved organizational performance. Its e-government services online provides government services over the internet.

Aim

2.         The aim of this write up is to explain the online public services in Fiji which I made use of and how it works.

SCOPE

3.         The write up will be presented under the following sub-headings:

• Fiji Lands Information Services online; and
• Conclusion

Fiji Lands Information Services (FLIS)

4.         The online application for purchase of maps is available as part of the Fiji Government online services under the government Lands Information Services.

5.         Within the FLIS, people can obtained services for maps of any part of Fiji through the online orders where the following Product Type List is available:

• Customized maps  – Where maps are created according to the customers specification using various categories of spatial information available at FLIS;
• Map shop Counter Service – Special services offered by Lands Department at the customer service counter;
• Published Maps – Published topographical and thermatics maps such as street maps at various scales; and
• Software – Special Land Information Software

6.         As of the scope of this write up, I will be based only on the procedure of online orders for published maps which I have the experience of using the service.

7.         On the interface of published maps, options on maps types are available as per the following:

• Topographical Maps with the scale of 1:50000 and 1:250000, showing both natural and artificial features with the help of conventional signs;
• Street maps of urban areas; and
• Thermatics maps showing selected theme.

8.         Since our requirements are the maps of Suva area and Nausori, selection of Sheet O28 and O29 was made and added to cart. The selection interface will also showed the number of maps in stock and the quantity required is indicated by us.

9.         The cost per copy is FJ$8.05 and the delivery method is to be selected with the option of counter collection or send via courier. The option of online payment through master card or counter cash payment is also available.

10.       In case of courier delivery, the details of address is to be indicated including email address details.

11.       Once all required information is filled the online form is then submitted. Order submission acknowledgement will be received with order ID for future inquiry of order status.

12.       In addition an e-mail will be sent over with all details of order submitted which also indicate the availability of the products to be uplifted.

Conclusion

13.       The Fiji E-Gov although still at its infant stages it has fulfill its mission which is to provide cost effective, timely and reliable delivery of ICT solutions through innovative, practical and responsible solutions that drives improved organizational performance.

14.       The Fiji e-government program is aiming of continuing improving its service to maintain the purpose of its existing as per the following:

• Plan and deliver ICT services aligned with the strategic directions and needs of the Fiji E-Government Master Plan;
• Provide all ICT services to the Fiji Government in a manner that enables ITC services to deliver its business outcomes; and
• Add value to ITC Services by identifying new opportunities services, technologies and practices that will improve efficiency of the Fiji Government service delivery.” – Laisiasa Tagicakiverata – Suva, Fiji

Learner’s Submission: Online Application for Birth Certificate in Fiji

“Introduction

1.         The government of Fiji has introduced some of its service online to assist its citizen both locally and abroad to access some of its information and resources.

Aim

2.         The aim of this write up is to explain the online public services in Fiji which I made use of and how it works.

SCOPE

3.         The write up will be presented under the following sub-headings:

• Online application for Birth certificate; and
• Conclusion

Online birth certificate application

4.         The online application for birth certificate is under the Birth Death Marriage (BDM) registry. The BDM is covered under the Laws of Fiji Cap 49 and 50 which are fully responsible for all matters regarding the registration of marriage, births and deaths in Fiji.

5.         Within the BDN online registry, Fiji citizens can obtained services for the following:

• Birth Certificate application;
• Marriage Certificate application;
• Special License to Marry application; and
• Death certificate application

6.         As of the scope of this write up, I will be based only on the procedure of making application for a birth certificate which I have the experience of using the service.

7.         On the application of the birth certificate the following details of the person requesting a birth certificate is needed:

a. First name of the applicants;

• Last name;
• Date of birth;
• Father’s name;
• Mother’s name;
• Place of birth;
• Province (there is a total of 15 provinces in Fiji); and
• District (provinces are made up of a number of districts)

8.         In addition to the persona details of the applicants, the following are also required in regards to the application:

1. Number of copies required;
2. Delivery mode (either courier or counter collection);
3. Address of delivery if required delivery; and
4. Option of Apostille stamp

9.         The cost per copy is FJ$2.30 and an additional FJ$5.00 is charged if required delivery. At present the online payment through credit cards is not yet available.

10.       Once the application is submitted, an application ID will be given to assist in any inquiry in regards to the application. The Fiji government ITC service will also send you an email in regards to the status of your application as it processed further.

11.       Also at the applicants account with the Fiji e-gov online service My Case page can be viewed for the progress of the application.

Conclusion

12.       The Fiji E-Gov online service is available to all citizens for available online services. Registration is free and once registered as a business user or citizen user; you can enjoy the service provided.

13.       From personal experience, e-government service provided by the Fiji government has been very effective and efficient. With the current ICT service in Fiji, the reaction time for any complaints or service needed has been greatly improved in comparison with the manual methods.

14.       The upgrading of ITC services in Fiji migrating to 4G, more service will be provided online and the payment of service through credit cards will surely be an advantage to both business and citizen users.” – Laisiasa Tagicakiverata – Suva, Fiji

Learners’ Submission: E-Governance in India

“E-governance has been considered as the best way for good governance. Communication and internet Technology has brought world near and has great impact on the life styles of people. The mode of obtaining services and its delivery has undergone tremendous changes with the improvement of technology that covered almost all types of services whether banking, insurance, other financial services or services from local corporations and government bodies. The relationship of service provider to that of service taker has also changed and has brought changes in quality of the service and its timely delivery.

Indian government has planned for e-Governance and initiated actions to improve delivery of Government services to citizens and businesses with the vision to make all Government services accessible to the common man in his locality, through common service delivery outlets and ensure efficiency, transparency & reliability of such services at affordable costs to realize the basic needs of the common man. Government of India decided to promote e-Governance through a centralized initiative to ensure citizen-centric orientation with decentralized implementation model. It will help realize the objective of inter-operability of various e-Governance applications and ensure optimal utilization of ICT infrastructure and resources. It also aims at identifying successful projects and replicating them with required customization wherever needed.

Accordingly the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) has been formulated by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DEITY) and Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). The Union Government approved the NeGP, comprising of 31 (originally 27) Mission Mode Projects (MMPs). Various Indian Union Ministries/Departments and State Governments are involved in Implementation of the e-Governance plan and the need for overall aggregation and integration at the national level was important.

NeGP comprises 31 mission mode projects (MMPs), which are further classified as state, central or integrated projects. Each state government can also define five MMPs specific to its individual needs.

e-Governance in India has steadily evolved from computerization of Government Departments to initiatives that encapsulate the finer points of Governance, such as citizen centricity, service orientation and transparency. The projects are expected to reduce number of trips of service users to service provider as also the waiting period apart from reducing the corruption and providing quality service.

I am describing the e-Governance in Urban Local Bodies:

“e-Governance in Urban Local Bodies” is a unique initiative of the Government of India conceptualized under the umbrella of the overall National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) and the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) aimed at improving operational efficiencies within Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

It has been observed that

• Presently there is very limited or no computerization across ULBs in different States.
• There is very limited or non-existent staff with IT know-how
• There is lack of standardization of processes; and
• The processes are primarily operated in a manual mode

There are following services which should be provided under this MMP:

I. Citizen Services (G2C)

1. Birth & Death Registration – Information, Application download, online application, payment and printing of certificates with Digital signature
2. Trade Licensing –Accreditation of vendors, Licensed shop owners and technical/professional, online submission and receipts (including renewal etc.) of licenses and printing with digital signature
3. Building Plan – Single window based – Online submission through accredited/licensed Architects, online check and permission, Field check through Handheld device (GPRS & GPS based photos and measurement device) and authentication. NOC from Various dept. would be obtained through SLA based Input screen and secured VPN links.
4. Tax and Fees & Fine/Penalty Payment – Enquiry – GIS based system – Self calculation, payment through secured payment gateway, Printing of secured digital receipts
5. RTI – Online application, application status tracking, pendency tracking
6. Grievance /Service request/Feedback – Online application, application status tracking, pendency tracking.
7. Helpdesk – ULB –wide – single helpline no

II. Employee Service:

1. HRMS with Employee Self-service incl. leave, Personal HR (PIS) , parks and Payroll linked
2. Smartcard/ Biometric based access system linked with HRMS

III. Shared Service /Backend Departmental Services:

1. Double Entry Accrual based Accounting System
2. E-Tendering
3. HRMS with Payroll integrated with attendance system, Recruitment , Training, Assessment/Performance Management Module
4. Inventory/Asset Management including vehicles
5. Project Management with Field Monitoring support and Field service support
6. Enterprise GIS  with Property Tax, Solid Waste Management  Vehicle /Fleet Management
7. GPS/GPRS based Fleet Management
8. Backend Intra and Inter departmental workflow, with communication, document Management, K-Bank and Portal and Information/Content Management
9. Operational & Tactical/Mayors Dashboard” – Sachin Murari Patrikar – Maharashtra, India

Learner’s Submission: Online Public Services in India – ICT as Enabler in Government Reform

“India under the generic umbrella of National e Governance Division NeGD, National e Governance Plan NeGP has identified 31 Mission Mode Projects which will help the country in transforming to better governance and reinvent government systems to deliver efficient and cost effective services to citizens. In order to achieve this India has envisaged 3 core pillar architecture (Three Tier Architecture) for service delivery, namely CSC’s Common Services centre, SWAN State Wide Area Network and SDC State Data Centre.

The 3 tier Architecture of SWAN, SDC and CSC’s integrated across the length and breadth of the country is the vision of NeGD for better e Governance in the country. The uniqueness of this initiative is its perspective because for the first time in India it is being effectively demonstrated that a Public Private Partnership PPP model can work successfully and can be self sustainable in delivering a bouquet of services to essentially rural and underserviced section of the society.

The workflow of common man has changed precariously in recent times as tedious job of revisiting the Government offices has reduced. The opportunity cost of each revisit has reduced. Information related to any service is available at the fingertips for the educated and qualified citizens and Common Services Centers for the illiterate citizens. By virtue of IT Act citizens of India have e Governance Rights. Government of India has come up with various policies related to Core Infrastructure Utilization. These policies clearly mention the objective to solve issues arising from Infrastructure and Standards thus expediting the basic process of e Governance. The service delivery structure in India is a four pillar based on People Process Technology Resources.

In order to overcome the e Literacy Government has entered into PPP Models where needy, underprivileged and deprived people are being trained and equipped with basic literacy of current system that will turn into useful resources in future. Government has identified and prioritized various citizen centric services according to Service Prioritization Framework.

The various services that have been identified by Central Government under the e District MMP are mandatory core services for each state listed as under:

1. Issue of Certificates
2. Social Welfare/Pensions
3. Revenue Court Services
4. Government Dues and Recovery
5. Ration Card Services
6. Right To Information Services

The other optional services are planned to have 12 categories of services enlisted as:

• Licensing,Utility Bills, Marriage Services, Agriculture Info, Police, Education, Election, Health, Passport, Disaster Management, Employment, Courts.

The government is offering number of high volume citizen centric services to people of India. The Election Commission of India has undergone various study and analysis to enhance legislature system of the nation by devising ICT solution. The elections held in India are now paperless and transparent as the citizens cast there votes at certain protected placed with the help of Electronic Voting Machines thus saving time, effort and cost. The results are also processed quickly as manual interface is very less hence fruitful and transparent. The online grievance and redressal triggers for various ministries and line departments are at place, The Right to Information Act devised by Government of India since 2005 which has been most awaited and the response of implementing this act was a cheer from the Nation.

In recent past there has been a merge of various technological standards for better service delivery to citizens that are iterative and high in volume. India is currently focused on approving and implementing Electronic Services Delivery Bill in the Parliament which will be help in bringing all the 35 states and Union Territories on a single platform with the integration of State Services Delivery Gateway SSDG with National Services Delivery Gateway NSDG. Achievement of Millennium Development Goals seems no bigger task.” – Vikas Razdan– Kolkata, India

Learner’s Submission: Online Public Service in India

“E-government has been a bipartisan effort, today it becomes bicameral as well, … The era of big government is over; we are committed to a smaller, smarter government. New information technologies are tools to help us achieve these goals.” – Joseph Isadore Lieberman

“I have used online public service to apply for fresh passport, reservation of public transport system, online education and for paying utility bills.

Here, I’d like to throw some light on the Infusion of passport seva project by the government. Passport seva provides passport services to the citizens of India. Every citizen of Republic Of India can submit online passport application through “passport seva” website for fresh as well as re-issue of passport. This passport seva will also cater to other needs of the applicants like obtaining police clearance certificate, fee calculators, affidavits, application tracker to know the application status and providing feedback and grievances.

This is user-friendly and the passport seva project team will continuously monitor for the required changes to be made to render faster and quality service delivery to the citizens online. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get passport compared to the traditional methods wherein citizens used to wait for 60-90 days process to get the passport on hand. Now, it’s possible to get it in 30 calendar days normally.

Passport can be obtained through the channel of Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). These are set up in all the major cities and towns of the country. These centers facilitate in the online passport issuance process. Every eligible citizen is requested to avail the passport service at PSK under the jurisdiction of where they reside.

In order to apply online, every citizen has to register an account on the website. Fill in all the details and upload the scanned legally required self-attested documents. Once this is done, you are required to be present at the PSK. It is better to schedule an appointment in order to reduce the waiting time. Here, the applicant provides all the required original documents to the officer to verify the validity. All the activities such getting photograph, capturing of fingerprints, eye scan, fee payment etc. takes place. This is followed by police verification before the issuance of passport.

The e-governance in our country has saved time and money to both citizens and the government. It has also helped in tackling corruption to a certain extent. However, this e-government strategy has posed certain challenges in terms of usage of ICT (Information and Communications Technology), particularly the use of internet to avail the services. Not all citizens of India are computer friendly (Computer Literacy). Still most of the workforce is computer illiterate. They need to depend on someone else to get the job done. Hence, both traditional and modern way of applying for passport online has been kept in practice by the government. Efforts are made by the government to bridge this gap with effective computer technology training at all department levels and at educational institutions.

To conclude, e-governance has played a vital role in India with development perspective cutting red-tapism and reaching the citizens directly. This has to still go a long way in implementing it across all states and departments.” – Machane Daniel Isaac – Mysore, India.