Govt.of Punjab inks MoU with Microsoft to enhance citizen services and drive digital inclusion

In an effort to augment the quality of citizen services in the state, the Government of Punjab today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft India to use cloud computing infrastructure for better facilities in education, agriculture and healthcare for citizens. Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Chief Secretary Punjab on behalf of Punjab Government and Mr. Anil Bhansali, Managing Director, Microsoft India (R&D) Pvt. Ltd, signed the MoU in the presence of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.

The State Government has been using an advanced IT infrastructure to provide citizen services since 2013. The Government now plans to extend the network across the State using cloud-computing infrastructure. Today's MoU with Microsoft will help the Government access the best of Microsoft's technology and expertise for improvement of digital services to citizens and drive digital inclusion in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister said, "We are committed to harnessing the power of technology to deliver better citizen services and drive digital inclusion in the state. We strongly believe technology can empower citizens and support them thrive in today's digital world. We welcome Microsoft's partnership and value their expertise in creating a citizen centric IT infrastructure in the State."

Microsoft India will work with the Government of Punjab to support the development of mobile-based solutions and also support the use of machine learning and advanced visualization to help solve challenges in the fields of education, agriculture and healthcare. Microsoft will also train manpower in advanced IT technology in the State.

Commenting on the collaboration with Punjab government, Mr. Anil Bhansali, Managing Director, Microsoft India (R&D) Pvt. Ltd., said, "We are extremely proud to bring the power of Microsoft cloud technologies, machine learning and data analytics to the State of Punjab. We are happy to support the Government of Punjab in its effort to enhance citizen services and drive digital inclusion."

Microsoft has been a robust partner to the State of Punjab since 2010. Several State Government departments use Microsoft technologies to run their operations and connect better with citizens. Deputy Chief Minister has also invited Microsoft India to setup its office at IT city Mohali as state has abundant human resource for IT sector.