2006 Press Release
Uttaranchal, India, 1 June 2006 – Leading Singapore-based IT solutions provider CrimsonLogic will design, develop and implement a Citizen Data Vault for the State of Uttaranchal, India. The Citizen Data Vault will store statistical and biometric data of Uttaranchal’s eight million citizens and will be the single source of access for the State’s 109 government departments. CrimsonLogic will also develop a statewide Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for the secure delivery of eGovernment services to Uttaranchal’s eight million citizens and its businesses.
The SGD $3 million project is considered to be the largest IT project the State of Uttaranchal has ever awarded. The project comprises three components: a state-wide survey of Uttaranchal’s citizens through a Multipurpose Household Survey, the establishment of the Citizen Data Vault and the distribution of PKI-enabled smart cards to the citizens to access eGovernment services online or via public kiosks. The project is expected to be completed by end 2006.
Reaching out to citizens – the Multipurpose Household Survey
Phase one of the Multipurpose Household Survey is already underway in two Nagar Palikas (small town municipal corporations) of Uttaranchal: Rishikesh and Almora. The survey, which involves the recording of statistical information such as address and number of dependents living in a single household as well as biometric data such as an individual’s photograph and fingerprints are recorded digitally before the information is uploaded onto the Citizen Data Vault.
Conducting the survey requires considerable effort in these rural regions as surveyors not only had to allot numbers and map out the houses visited, but also, convince residents to volunteer information. To raise awareness of the survey, the ward members of the Nagar Palikas used media campaigns, the distribution of pamphlets, banners and even organized a night camp for residents to register.
Impact of the Citizen Data Vault
The Citizen Data Vault will serve as Uttaranchal’s central data hub and the single source of citizen data for its 109 government departments. The Vault will help to standardize the way citizen information is recorded and presented, as well as give the State Government better management and control over the data.
When implemented, the Citizen Data Vault is expected to reduce service processing and delivery time from months to a matter of days. Electronic processes will significantly cut down paperwork and bureaucratic procedures.
Moving towards citizen-centric services through smart cards
The final stage of the Citizen Data Vault project is a pilot PKI implementation involving the issuance of PKI-enabled smart cards to a group of citizens to access government services either online or via public kiosks. In time, the usability of these smart cards can be extended to all state applications (government-to-citizen and government-to-business) for tasks such as the application for permits and government schemes and grants, tax payment, and even job registration.
This project is a landmark development for Uttaranchal as it is the first state-wide initiative where citizen information is captured and used in deploying eGovernment services. Said Mr. Leong Peng Kiong, CEO of CrimsonLogic: “By improving work efficiency and minimizing data discrepancies, this strategic initiative will result in more transparent and effective decision-making processes in government departments. CrimsonLogic is honoured to be a partner of the Uttaranchal State Government in its journey to transform public services and empower its citizens.”
Adds Mr. Tan Sian Lip, Director, Consulting: “The Citizen Data Vault will provide one of the key prerequisites of citizen-centric eGovernment services – the sharing of information across agencies. This sharing of information in turn will enable the deep integration of government processes so that eServices can be designed around the lives and needs of citizens. It is envisioned that citizens will enjoy greatly reduced processing times, significantly less paperwork and bureaucracy, and much improved standards of service”.
In support of the State Government’s efforts in promoting IT in Uttaranchal, CrimsonLogic is participating in the Uttaranchal.IT @ Dehradun 2006 Exhibition. Besides having an exhibition booth, Mr. Tan Sian Lip will speak on the project on Friday, 2 June 2006.