The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) hosted a Conference of IT Secretaries and senior officials from States and Union Territories on December 17, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event, chaired by S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, aimed to foster collaboration for digital transformation, bridge the digital divide, and strengthen cybersecurity across the nation.
The conference saw participation from IT Secretaries and senior representatives of 34 States and UTs, alongside key officials from MeitY. Special sessions focused on the unique challenges and opportunities in North Eastern and hilly states, with discussions on extending BharatNet infrastructure, implementing e-office systems, and promoting capacity building and entrepreneurship.
Key Themes and Discussions:
- Data Standardisation and Cybersecurity:
States like Telangana and Karnataka emphasised secure data exchange frameworks, compliance with the DPDP Act, and robust cybersecurity practices. Discussions highlighted the need for standardised data formats and protection measures to enhance citizen-centric services. - Strengthening State Digitalisation Efforts:
States including Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh discussed consolidating service delivery portals and creating public registries. Proposals included two-way data exchange between state and central governments and mandatory security audits of digital solutions. - Emerging Technologies in Governance:
Technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and drones were central to discussions. Delegates explored their potential to modernise governance and improve public service delivery in areas like healthcare, education, and agriculture. A unified approach to integrating emerging technologies into citizen services was emphasised.
Highlights of MeitY’s Initiatives:
Senior MeitY officials presented key initiatives, including:
- Expanding Aadhaar integration for authentication and enrollment.
- The IndiaAI Mission for responsible and inclusive AI growth.
- The India Semiconductor Mission to develop a robust semiconductor ecosystem.
- Cybersecurity frameworks to support state digitalisation.
Strengthening Collaboration and Digital Infrastructure:
States like Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh proposed collaborative efforts to establish a common digital infrastructure, ensuring equitable access and operational efficiency. A consensus emerged on benchmarking best practices from IT-savvy states to foster innovation across regions.
This conference underlines MeitY’s commitment to empowering states and UTs through digital transformation, laying the foundation for a unified and inclusive governance model. As India progresses on its digital journey, these deliberations are poised to significantly impact the future of public service delivery.