Inclusive tech can avert digital divide
Digital tools should facilitate people and not become barriers. E-KYC is crucial to banking, education, healthcare, essential services, tax portals, travel documents, etc. It is reported that Aadhaar, while enabling large sections of the country's population to gain a digital identity, also cuts the other way, leaving the disadvantaged out in the cold. As a mandatory document, Aadhaar provides access to the government's social welfare programmes, especially the public distribution system, but in many cases, it has deprived needy families of subsidised food grains due to OTP authentication glitches. The Aadhaar-mobile number link has inadvertently created barriers in processing applications and documents, as have biometric mismatches. Accident victims who have lost their hands or suffered facial disfigurement are unable to verify their identity, while internet and mobile phone penetration in interior villages is another significant barrier.
The internet has revolutionised the world as a great equaliser, giving access to knowledge and opportunities, but it is more tuned to the urban user. Innovative technical tools like AI can make the journey even easier, but only if such software helps people access digital platforms, applications, and assisted technology. We must ensure technology does not create a digital disconnect or make the marginalised sections even more vulnerable.
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Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Delhi Assembly to go fully digital by July; Kiren Rijiju lays foundation stone for e-Vidhan project
The Delhi Assembly is set to become fully paperless by July under the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), as Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the e-Vidhan project . The initiative is a part of the Centre's 'One Nation, One Application' drive aimed at digitising legislative processes across states. The event held at the assembly premises marked a major milestone in Delhi's transition to digital governance and environmental responsibility. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Chief Whip Abhay Verma and other dignitaries attended the event. The programme commenced with a minute of silence for the victims of the recent Ahmedabad plane crash. Live Events "The laying of the foundation stone for the e-Vidhan project at the Delhi Legislative Assembly is a commendable step towards adopting technology for legislative efficiency and transparency," said Rijiju speaking at the event. "I want to see the Delhi Assembly as a model assembly and this initiative will certainly help in achieving that goal," he added. Rijiju emphasized that beyond going paperless, the project aims to enhance transparency, digital security and public participation. "Given Delhi's unique and complex administrative structure, this digital transformation carries special relevance," he said. The speaker described the initiative as a "historic milestone" and announced that plans are already underway to turn the Delhi Assembly into a green, tech-enabled and culturally vibrant institution. "As Delhi moves towards becoming the first assembly powered entirely by renewable energy, the e-Vidhan initiative is setting new benchmarks in digital democracy and environmentally conscious legislative practices," he said. Gupta also noted that a tripartite MoU was signed between the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, the GNCTD and the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat on March 22, 2025. Over Rs 9 crore in grants have been received under the NeVA project, with more than Rs 1 crore released as the first instalment. A 500-kilowatt solar project is being installed to power the Delhi Assembly, which is on track to become the first in India to run completely on renewable energy. The plans are also in place to upgrade the assembly's infrastructure, including the renovation of the House before the Monsoon Session, the creation of a modern e-library and the transformation of the historic assembly premises into a cultural and heritage site. "This was once the site of India's first Parliament. We now plan to establish a legislative museum, guided tours and interactive exhibits with help from the IGNCA and the National Archives," said Gupta. The chief minister highlighted the ecological and governance benefits of the project. "One tonne of recycled paper saves 17 trees. With this step, the Delhi Assembly is moving towards sustainability and efficiency. The e-Vidhan project marks a significant leap towards strengthening transparency, efficiency and environmental responsibility," said Gupta. She also pointed out the contrast with the previous government's resistance to central reforms. "Under the BJP's administration, a new reform is introduced every day. First the solar system and now a paperless assembly," she added. Bisht on his part hailed the project as a decisive step in transforming the Delhi Assembly into a "technologically empowered and transparent institution". The e-Vidhan system will allow digital access to bills, reports, legislative questions, real-time updates of proceedings and paperless documentation streamlining governance while reducing environmental impact.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Kiren Rijiju lays foundation of e-Vidhan project for paperless Delhi Assembly
New Delhi: Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Saturday commended the quick introduction of e-Vidhan (Paperless Assembly) system in Delhi Assembly as a major step towards transparency and efficient governance. Laying the foundation of the e-Vidhan (Paperless Assembly) in the presence of Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, the Union Minister said: 'The laying of the foundation stone for the e-Vidhan Project at the Delhi Legislative Assembly is a commendable step towards adopting technology for legislative efficiency and transparency.' He recalled the days of President's Rule in Delhi in 2014 when he prayed for election of an efficient and dedicated government. 'Now, I can say Delhi has got an that kind of responsive government. The e-Vidhan system is being implemented within 108 days, with the sanction of Rs 9 crore,' he said. Calling a legislature the heart of a government and democracy, he said the efficiency of the Assembly is indispensable for an efficient government. 'This event marks a significant milestone in the digitisation of legislative governance,' he said. 'While several states have already implemented the e-Vidhan system successfully, it is encouraging to see Delhi joining this important national initiative. I am pleased to be part of this progressive development. I want to see the Delhi Assembly as a model assembly, and this initiative will certainly help in achieving that goal,' he said. Speaker Vijender Gupta described the initiative as a milestone aimed at making Assembly functioning more efficient, transparent, and environmentally conscious. The project, being implemented under the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), is expected to digitize legislative operations, reduce paper usage, and provide lawmakers with real-time digital access to legislative business. The Speaker also informed that the tripartite MoU to implement NeVA was signed on March 22 between the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, GNCTD, and the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat in the presence of Minister Rijiju. Gupta further said that the Delhi Assembly has received grants of over Rs 9 crore from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA), out which more than Rs 1 crore has been granted in first installment. He also said that the Delhi Assembly is on track to become the first in the country to run entirely on renewable energy, with a 500-kW solar power project being installed. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted achievements of her four-month-old government and reiterated her team's efforts to start new projects almost everyday. 'We had tried our best to do something new everyday and make the best use of each day of our four-month-old government,' she said. Hailing e-Vidhan as a green effort aimed at saving trees, she praised Speaker Gupta for initiating reforms and terminating corrupt and negative practices that were prevalent in under the previous government. Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly Mohan Singh Bisht, Minister of Industries, Food and Supplies and Environment, Forest and Wildlife Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Chief whip Abhay Verma were present as Guests of Honour.
Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Indian Express
Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL users can now switch mobile plans every 30 days: What it means for you
The Department of Telecom, commonly referred to as DoT, has announced that it is making some changes to the mobile plan conversion process from prepaid to postpaid and vice versa. In a directive dated June 10, 2025, the authority said it is drastically reducing the cooldown period, allowing users to convert their mobile plan from prepaid to postpaid or postpaid to prepaid in just 30 days for the first time. The new directive changes a previous order issued on September 21, 2021, which had locked the transition period to 90 days. 📱 Switching between Prepaid ↔️ Postpaid got easier through OTP! ⏱️ Cooling-off period for first-time reconversion reduced from 90 days to 30 days. 🔁 Need to switch sooner? Use KYC at PoS or authorized outlets! — DoT India (@DoT_India) June 12, 2025 Previously, Airtel, BSNL, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea users had to wait for 3 months or 90 days for the conversion of their mobile plans. However, for any following OTP-based conversions, the cool-off period will be 90 days. But in case a subscriber 'wishes to re-convert within the lock-in period of 30 days or 90 days (as the case may be), they may still do so by following the extant KYC process at PoS or authorised outlets of the licensees.' This means that customers will have to visit the network operator's outlet to change their SIM from prepaid to postpaid or vice versa. The Department of Telecom has also asked network operators that subscribers be clearly informed about the lock-in period every time they convert from prepaid to postpaid or postpaid to prepaid. However, all other security and regulatory requirements will remain unchanged. To give you a quick recap, switching from prepaid to a postpaid connection requires customers to initiate the conversion process from the network provider's website, app or by visiting a customer service centre. The process usually requires users to fill out a form and submit KYC documents.
