Implementation of e-Offices
Context:
Following the success in the Central Secretariat, the government has decided to implement e-Office in all attached, subordinate offices, and autonomous bodies as part of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)’s 100-days agenda.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
Key highlights:
- Between 2019-2024, the Central Secretariat saw substantial progress in the adoption of e-Office, with over 94% of files and receipts being handled electronically as e-Files and e-Receipts.
- A total of 133 attached/subordinate offices and autonomous bodies have been identified for e-Office implementation. As of the announcement, 55 of these offices have already initiated the process.
- Guidelines for the adoption of e-Office were issued on June 24, 2024, following inter-ministerial consultations. The on-boarding roadmap and technical modalities were finalized during these meetings.
- The second inter-ministerial consultation/review meeting, chaired by Secretary DARPG Shri V. Srinivas on July 26, 2024, saw participation from over 290 officers via video conferencing. It was agreed that all offices would submit assessment templates to NIC e-Office PMU by July 31, 2024, ensuring the roll-out proceeds as per the 100-days agenda schedule.
Other highlights:
- Digitization Initiative: Aims to digitize file handling and receipts across government bodies.
- Previous Success: Builds on the central secretariat’s success from 2019-2024, with 94% of files and 95% of receipts managed electronically.
- Guidelines Issued: Adoption guidelines have been provided by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
- Implementation Steps: Each ministry and department will:
- Appoint nodal officers
- Establish data centers
- Coordinate with NIC for seamless, time-bound onboarding
- Government Commitment: Reinforces commitment to digital transformation and administrative efficiency.
