India’s Government Plans to Digitize 133 Offices with e-Office Platform

The Government of India has announced a plan to implement the e-office platform across 133 offices as part of its 100-day agenda. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, aims to digitize government operations for better efficiency.

Inter-Ministerial Meeting

An inter-ministerial consultation meeting was held on July 10, 2024, by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). Representatives from all Ministries, Departments, and relevant offices participated. During this meeting, the timelines for onboarding to the e-Office platform were established.

Success of e-Office Platform

Between 2019 and 2024, the e-Office platform saw remarkable success in the Central Secretariat, with 94% of files and 95% of receipts being handled electronically. This transition to digital processes not only improved efficiency but also led to the development of e-office analytics, providing deeper insights into government operations.

Expansion to 133 Offices

Building on this success, the government decided to extend the e-office platform to all attached, subordinate offices, and autonomous bodies. Following extensive inter-ministerial consultations, 133 offices were identified for this implementation. On June 24, 2024, DARPG issued detailed guidelines for the adoption of the e-Office platform in these offices.

Implementation Details

The inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by Secretary DARPG V. Srinivas, included senior officials from various ministries and departments, as well as representatives from the 133 identified offices. The National Informatics Centre (NIC), represented by Deputy Director General Rachna Srivastava, presented the technical details and procedural guidelines for the e-Office implementation.

Each ministry and department will coordinate with their respective attached, subordinate offices, and autonomous bodies to appoint nodal officers who will oversee the e-office implementation process. Ministries and departments are tasked with setting up necessary data centres to support the e-office infrastructure. Offices will submit requisitions to NIC detailing the number of users and licenses required, ensuring a smooth and timely onboarding process.

Expected Outcomes

The roadmap for e-office implementation is structured to ensure all 133 offices are onboarded within the government’s 100-day agenda. This initiative is expected to bring about a significant transformation in how government offices manage their operations, leading to enhanced transparency, efficiency, and accountability.