Andhra Legislature to become nearly paperless in 18 months

The Union Ministry of Information Technology and Communications has chosen Andhra Pradesh Legislature for implementation of a World Bank-funded computerisation project, which will make it almost paperless.
Under the project, that will be implemented on a "mission mode" in 18 months, AP Legislature will get a grant of Rs 16.15 crore.
"We will be the first in the country to become a totally paperless legislature once the project is completed. We will become the role model for other legislatures and even Parliament in this regard," AP Legislative Assembly Speaker Nadendla Manohar said here today.
Union IT&C Minister Kapil Sibal recently approved the Concept Note presented by the Speaker and sanctioned the project to the state.

"We have worked for two years in preparing the Concept Note and getting the clearances," Manohar said.
The project would increase efficiency in the functioning of the Legislature and the members and improve transparency. A dedicated IT wing with 30 staffers will execute the project with technical support from the Centre for Good Governance, the Speaker told a press conference.

A file monitoring system, integrated with all government departments, would be put in place to ensure paperless administration.
All information related to government schemes and public assets in each Assembly constituency would be made available to the legislators on their mobile phones through Geographic Information System.

Every information required will be available to them on fingertips. All communication to members will henceforth be electronic only, Manohar said.
Special training would be provided to legislators and Legislature staff on the use of computer applications.
The existing website of the Legislature (www.Aplegislature.Org) would soon be made bilingual (English and Telugu), the Speaker added.
Replying to a question, the Speaker said only 52 per cent of the MLAs have so far furnished details of their assets and liabilities.
"I can only request the members to furnish the information but can't force them. I have asked the Ethics Committee of the Legislature to take the issue seriously and secure details of all members' assets so that they can posted on the website," Manohar said.