MUMBAI
Mumbaikars can soon apply for certificates, licences or permits online and have documents couriered to them by the BMC.
Anybody who has had to approach a city corporation for a birth certificate, bill payment or permission to open a shop knows what it takes—many frustrating trips, endless queues and greasing of palms.
This could all change for Mumbaikars by March 2007, when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) rolls out e-governance. Citizens can look forward to sitting in front of a computer terminal at home and getting their work done. If all goes according to plan, they will apply on the BMC's website for certificates, licenses or permits and have the documents couriered to them within a specified response time.
"Services will not be confined to wards and office hours. The citizen will not have to go anywhere to get things done," says additional municipal commissioner (projects) Manu Kumar Srivastava.
The BMC has already started work on a database-driven Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) package, which goes beyond a simple computer interface for services. "Whatever is being done manually now across departments will be computerised and integrated into the ERP module, giving citizens a 24x7, single point for services and information. A SAP and Siemens consortium is developing the system. It is expected to be complete in six months," says additional municipal commissioner (western suburbs) Shrikant Singh, who is in charge of IT and the e-governance project manager. Parallelly, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is involved in integrating information in all the BMC wards and converting it to computer language.
"In states like Karnataka, e-governance has mostly meant front-end solutions. We are trying to take it beyond that with complete back office computerisation," says Srivastava.
TCS has been entrusted with managing the paradigm shift to e-governance, which will be mandatory for all departments after a cut-off date. "We will create an information system that plugs leaks, checks corruption, and cuts across hierarchy, so that any user of the system can benefit at large through proper utilisation of public money," says TCS project manager Girish Dandige.
E-governance will cut red tape and increase efficiency within the BMC. "Now, we call heads of departments for lengthy meetings to get information. In the new system, every project will have a unique code, and the information will be readily available to all," explains Srivastava.
"All receivables will be acknowledged through the ERP module, and expenditure and receipt routed through it on a real-time basis. It will immediately reflect on the website. Accounts is the hub of every project, we'll keep fitting things into it," Srivastava adds. Management consultants AF Ferguson and Co. will facilitate the accounting and budgetary reforms that are being brought in simultaneously with e-governance, and help convert cash-based accounts into double entry accrual-based accounts.
But will the BMC staff turn tech-savvy enough by March 2007 to conform to the change? "About 2,000 BMC employees are being trained at various levels. Some are being given intensive module training by Tata Consultancy Services,"says Singh. TCS also plans to pick 'business champions' from within the organisation and make them part of the core team spearheading the change.
Delhi NCR: Ganga water supply to be shut in Noida, Ghaziabad from today for 20 days due to…
iPhone 15 available at just Rs 27,000 on Flipkart's Big Shopping Utsav Sale: How to grab this deal?
Viral video: Crocodile spotted in drain, rescued by forest department in Kanpur, watch
Who was GN Saibaba, ex-DU professor who died months after acquittal in alleged Maoist links case?
Gautam Adani on Ratan Tata's death news: 'Legends like him never fade away...'
Baba Siddique shot dead in Mumbai, his last social media post goes viral, it was...
Former Delhi University professor GN Saibaba passes away
IND vs BAN, 3rd T20I: India beat Bangladesh by 133 runs, complete 3-0 clean sweep in Hyderabad
Baba Siddique, who was shot at in Mumbai, dies, confirms Lilavati Hospital
22 sixes, 25 fours: India register their highest-ever total in T20I cricket history
THIS is world’s shortest flight, lasts only 90 seconds, it covers a distance of…
Durga Puja 2024: Rani Mukerji, Kajol dazzle in saree during sindoor khela
Amitabh Bachchan made big investment in this smallcap company, gave more than 600% return in 5 years
THIS Mumbai canteen has been named best restaurant in India, it serves the best...
Watch: Sanju Samson smashed Rishad Hossain for five consecutive sixes during IND vs BAN 3rd T20I
Israel's precarious predicament: Can it thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions without US support?
‘Was called arrogant, entitled, selfish…’: This star cricketer once battled alcoholism, then…
Who is the wealthiest among Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani's children's in-laws?
Shantanu Naidu stopped by Mumbai police before Ratan Tata's funeral, watch viral video
IND vs BAN: Why is Harshit Rana not playing India vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I?
THIS robot can serve drinks, babysit children, walk dogs and even be your friend, it costs Rs...
Delhi to launch 'E-Detection' system: Here's how it will prevent polluting vehicles from entering
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Pays Tribute to Ratan Tata
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio launches new ISD plans for THESE countries, price starts at Rs...
Meet China's 'Spider-Woman' who climbs 100-metre cliff bare-handed, with no safety equipment
Tech millionaire attempts reverse ageing, get 'baby face': What happened next will leave you shocked
Shilpa Shetty stuns in pink lehenga as turns showstopper for Megha Bansal at Lakme Fashion Week
IND vs BAN, Hyderabad weather update: Will rain play spoilsport in India vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I?
What did Nita Ambani do before marrying Mukesh Ambani? What was her salary?
Ratan Tata death: 'Titan' of Indian business, philanthropist icon's cause of death is...
Rishabh Pant reveals real story behind his ‘fake injury’ in T20 World Cup final
Tamil Nadu train accident: Know reason behind derailment, here's what Railways official says...
Iran gives big warning to oil-rich allies of US: 'Don't help Israel or else...'
MS Dhoni sets internet on fire with new haircut, pics go viral
Shikhar Dhawan and Chris Gayle's playful dance moves go viral, watch
Former Cricketer Ajay Jadeja named heir to Jamnagar royal throne
Meet woman, India's first visually impaired IAS officer, who cracked UPSC twice with AIR...
Who is Ratan Tata's successor to what was his religion: 5 most-asked questions answered
Haryana's new BJP government to be sworn in on October 17 in Panchkula, PM Modi to attend
Good news for Delhi-NCR commuters, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway nears completion, set to open by...
How did Noel Tata succeed Ratan Tata as head of Tata Trusts?
'A day I'll always remember with...': Throwback to Ratan Tata's meeting with Sachin Tendulkar
Adani Energy secures Rs 61088000000 contract in Kenya for enhanced....
What key traits does Google seek in new hires? CEO Sundar Pichai makes big revelation
BIG boost for Gautam Adani as he emerges as biggest dollar gainer among the list of...
RG Kar case: West Bengal government remains silent as condition of fasting medics deteriorates
IDF expresses 'deep concern' after Israeli airstrike in Lebanon injures two UN peacekeepers, says...
Aishwarya Rai ends rumours of tiff with ‘pa’ Amitabh Bachchan’s family with new post, writes…
Mumbai Metro launches Whatsapp-based ticket service for lines 2A and 7; know steps to avail it
Meet former TCS employee, who even worked in SBI bank, then cracked UPSC exam to become...