Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology hosts Conference of IT Secretaries of States and UTs

To advance digital transformation, bridge the digital divide, and strengthen cybersecurity, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) organized a conference of IT Secretaries from States and Union Territories (UTs) on December 17, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The conference, chaired by Secretary MeitY, Shri S. Krishnan, aimed to enhance collaboration with States/UTs to drive next-generation digital transformation. The agenda focused on improving the quality of government services, bridging the digital divide, automating backend processes, and implementing robust data protection and cybersecurity measures.

Key Highlights of the Conference:

  1. Digital Growth and Empowerment

    • The meeting saw participation from IT Secretaries and senior officers representing 34 States and UTs, along with MeitY officials.
    • A special breakfast meeting chaired by the Secretary was held with representatives from North Eastern and hilly states (including Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir) to discuss infrastructure development, Bharat Net expansion, and capacity-building initiatives.

  2. Recent Initiatives by MeitY

    • Presentations were made on flagship initiatives such as Aadhaar authentication enhancements, the IndiaAI Mission, the India Semiconductor Mission, and the DPDP Act 2023.
    • Integrated cybersecurity strategies, electronics manufacturing policies, and capacity-building programs were discussed.
    • An interactive session was held to gather feedback and suggestions from the States/UTs.

  3. Thematic Breakout Sessions
    Parallel sessions addressed key topics under three pillars:

    • Pillar 1: Data Standardization and Exchange
      Focused on secure platforms for data exchange, cybersecurity, and adherence to the DPDP Act, ensuring citizen-centric and efficient services.
    • Pillar 2: Strengthening State Digitalization Efforts
      Addressed recommendations for enhancing IT agencies, creating family registries, and fostering two-way data interchange between central and state governments.
    • Pillar 3: Emerging Technologies in Public Service Delivery
      Explored the use of AI, IoT, blockchain, drones, and machine learning to improve public service quality and government efficiency.

  4. Strengthening Collaboration and Governance

    • States such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Delhi resolved to unify digital infrastructure across states and districts.
    • Emphasis was placed on building a seamless national digital framework to enhance service delivery and governance.

Outcomes and Commitments:

The conference reaffirmed the transformative potential of digital technologies and emerging innovations in driving citizen-centric governance. Participants committed to adopting best practices and promoting inclusivity while addressing challenges such as infrastructure gaps and cybersecurity risks.

As India progresses toward a digitally empowered governance model, the deliberations and resolutions from this conference will play a vital role in shaping the future of public service delivery.

Posted On: 23 DEC 2024 | Release ID: 2087321 | Source: PIB Delhi