The Govt of Karnataka has been a supervisor in utilizing information and communication technology to enhance governance and is at the forefront of implementing electronic governance initiatives in India.
Since its establishment in 2003, the Dept of Personnel and Administrative Reforms has played a vital role in accelerating IT-enabled government services to promote transparency and administrative efficiency.
The dept has delivered a range of services, including Government-to-Citizen (G2C), Government-to-Business (G2B), and Government-to-Employee (G2E) services, through the successful implementation of various e-services.
Through initiatives such as the Centre for e-Governance (CeG), Centre for Smart Governance (CSG), Directorate of Electronic Delivery of Citizen Services (EDCS), and Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications Centre (KSRSAC), the dept has been a pioneer in providing e-services to citizens.
Additionally, the dept has successfully implemented key Govt of India projects, including Aadhaar, the National Academic Depository, DigiLocker, the Right to Information, and Open Government Data through the Karnataka Open Data Initiative (KODI), among others.
Vision
To improve and encourage the use of Information Technology in government operations, ensuring citizens have access to essential information and services efficiently, seamlessly, and through an online platform for identified services.
Mission
To enhance service delivery for both rural and urban populations by establishing a strong web presence, fostering public engagement, and driving traction, ultimately contributing to economic growth and visible transformation.
Organisation Structure
The Dept has established two distinct entities to focus on developing and implementing a governance framework that can be utilized by all govt depts for planning and executing e-governance projects.
Centre for e-Governance (CEG)
Founded in 2006, this society is tasked with setting up and maintaining essential e-infrastructure, including networks, data centres, core applications, and capacity-building initiatives.
Directorate of Electronic Delivery of Citizen Services (EDCS)
This govt dept controls the operation of centralized citizens service delivery centres, such as those in Bangalore, and Karnataka.
DPAR Services and Schemes
Directorate of Electronic Delivery of Citizen Services(EDCS)
The Directorate of Electronic Delivery of Citizen Services (EDCS) was established under the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) to implement e-governance initiatives focused on delivering services to citizens through electronic means, such as ICT-enabled centres, portals, and more.
The EDCS Directorate, led by the Director, is responsible for executing projects that provide citizen services through digital platforms like ICT-enabled centres and portals. Currently, the Directorate oversees the Bangalore One and Karnataka One projects and is working on the rollout of the e-District Project in the state. Additionally, the EDCS is in the process of selecting a Service Centre Agency for the implementation of the Common Service Centres project.
In addition to these projects, the EDCS Directorate is also tasked with managing the web portal project and implementing the State Service Delivery Gateway (SSDG) project.
Centre for e-Governance
The Centre for e-Governance (CeG) was founded in 2006 by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), Government of Karnataka. It is an autonomous body created to design, implement, and oversee various e-governance initiatives across the state. CeG was established under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act of 1960 and operates throughout Karnataka.
What makes CeG unique is its placement under the DPAR, which reports directly to the Hon’ble Chief Minister. Since its inception, CeG has played a pivotal role in leveraging Information Technology (IT) to benefit the citizens of Karnataka.
In addition, CeG has expanded its scope through various innovative projects in collaboration with the Department of e-Governance, ensuring citizens have access to the benefits and schemes introduced by the state government. CeG has also supported the establishment of two state-of-the-art data centres, the MPLS-based Karnataka State Wide Area Network (KSWAN), and core applications such as e-Procurement and HRMS.
Karnataka Geographic Information System(KSRAC)
The Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications Centre (KSRSAC) was founded in 1986 and was appointed as the Nodal Agency for implementing Remote Sensing (including Photogrammetry) and GIS programs in the state through Government Order No. ITD 28 MIS 2002, Bangalore, dated 06.08.2002. KSRSAC serves as the repository for data, information, and maps collected by the Centre or any government department, statutory board, or undertaking using GIS and Remote Sensing technologies.
As the nodal agency, KSRSAC will create GIS based on base maps and common/general features, offering comprehensive Remote Sensing and GIS services to all Line Departments. The Line Departments must consult KSRSAC before updating GIS data or customizing GIS applications. Any updated data must be transferred to the Nodal Agency’s custody when such updates are made.
The nodal agency will also plan and design the architecture for implementing Remote Sensing and GIS, including feasibility assessments, proposals, coding, standardization, and training. Additionally, it will organize periodic workshops to enhance interaction and coordination among Line Departments. Since its inception, KSRSAC has been coordinating with and providing necessary GIS information, maps, and training to these departments.
Centre for Smart Governance
The Centre for Smart Governance (CSG) is an organization that supports the Information Technology needs of the Government of Karnataka. CSG assists various departments in developing software applications and managing related activities.
Government departments, corporations, public sector undertakings (PSUs), autonomous institutions, and other organizations established by State and Central Acts, as well as all recognized government entities, can benefit from CSG’s services.
To strengthen the planning and implementation of governance infrastructure for e-governance initiatives across all government departments, the department has established two distinctive institutions.
Sakala Mission
The Karnataka State Government introduced the Sakala Mission to guarantee the provision of services to citizens within the specified time frame in the State of Karnataka, along with related and incidental matters. This initiative is referred to as the Karnataka Guarantee of Services to Citizens Act, 2011.