Data base for Uttaranchal in the works

Leading Singapore-based IT solutions provider CrimsonLogic will design, develop and implement a Citizen Data Vault for Uttaranchal.

It would also develop a state-wide Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for the secure delivery of e-government services to Uttaranchal's eight million people and its businesses, a monthly magazine of the state government reported.

This is being considered the largest IT project in Uttaranchal. The project comprises three components: a state-wide survey of Uttaranchal's citizens through a Multipurpose Household Survey (MHS); establishment of the citizen data vault; and the distribution of PKI-enabled smart cards to the citizens for e-government services access online or via public kiosks.

The first phase of the MHS is already under way in two Nagar Palikas (small town municipal corporations), Rishikesh and Almora. The survey involves the recording of information like addresses, biometric data such as photographs and fingerprints. The information is uploaded onto the citizen data vault.

The Citizen Data Vault will serve as Uttaranchal's data hub and store data of the local population. When implemented, the Citizen Data Vault is expected to reduce service processing and delivery time from months to a matter of days, say officials.

Electronic processing would significantly cut down paperwork and bureaucratic procedures, they added.

The final stage involves the issuance of PKI-enabled smart cards to a group of citizens to access government services either online or via public kiosks.

In time, the usability of these smart cards can be extended to all state application for tasks such as permits, tax payments and job registration. The project is expected to be completed by the next year.