Harnessing ICT in the Indian Parliament: A Leap Towards Enhanced Transparency and Efficiency
Written on September, 2022
Introduction
The contemporary era is marked by the ubiquitous presence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in all spheres of life, including governance. The Indian Parliament's embracement of ICT is a strategic response to the information age, which demands transparency, accountability, and public involvement in governance. This integration has transformed democracies by providing citizens with access to information, enabling them to participate more meaningfully in governance and exercise their rights.
The Indian Parliament's Journey with ICT
The Indian Parliament has not remained aloof from this global trend. It has adopted several ICT tools and methods to support the law-making, representational, and oversight functions of parliamentarians. This adoption aims to make the parliamentary process more open, accessible, and responsive to the citizens.
Recognizing the growing demand for accountability and transparency, the Indian Parliament has introduced new legislative measures to reinforce the right to information as a citizen's right. These measures encourage the use of information technology in public institutions, making them core components of governance.
Key ICT Initiatives in the Indian Parliament
The Parliament of India initiated the Computerized Information Service in 1985 to enhance access to parliamentary information. This service, initially a database of subject-indexed references, has evolved into full-text databases accessible on the Parliament of India Home Page.
The Parliament has established a high-speed Local Area Network (LAN) and made both Chambers Wi-Fi enabled to facilitate data sharing and internet access. This infrastructure extends to political party accommodations within the Parliament House Complex, ensuring comprehensive connectivity.
Regular orientation programs are conducted to acquaint MPs and officials with the various applications of ICT in parliamentary work. A dedicated Computer Training Room in the Parliament Library Building is a step toward continuous learning and adaptation to technological advancements.
The launch of the Parliament of India Home Page and separate websites for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha marked significant steps in making parliamentary information publicly accessible. These platforms provide comprehensive information about parliamentary proceedings and members.
Recognizing the archival value of parliamentary documents, the Indian Parliament initiated the digitization of debates and committee reports. The Parliament Digital Library project, aimed at providing online access to this rich repository, reflects a commitment to preserving and sharing parliamentary history.
ICT for Efficiency and Economy in Parliamentary Operations
The initiative launched in 2011 under the Chairmanship of the Secretary-General, Lok Sabha, aims to convert the offices of the Lok Sabha Secretariat into a paperless environment. This involves various projects, including the Members' Portal, e-Notice application, e-Wisdom Project, and e-Office System.
Efforts to transform the Parliament and the Secretariat of the two Houses into paperless offices have led to a significant reduction in the printing and circulation of various parliamentary papers. This initiative aligns with the goals of efficiency and economy.
Conclusion
The adoption of new ICT tools has enabled members of the Indian Parliament to organize their work more effectively and efficiently. The ongoing efforts to transition into an e-Parliament are showing significant impacts in enhancing transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in parliamentary functioning. As projects continue to evolve, the Indian Parliament is making constant efforts to bridge any existing gaps, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing parliamentary processes in line with global trends.