MCD to collaborate with ICICI Infotech on e-governance initiative

Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) signed an agreement with ICICI Infotech to provide consulting and project management on e-governance initiatives. The duration of the agreement is two years. In addition to e-governance, ICICI Infotech will provide consultancy on issues ranging from networking, computerisation of municipal hospitals, introduction of computer literacy programmes in schools, as well as back office automation and assistance to the various departments of MCD in all matters connected with computerisation.

ICICI Infotech will assist MCD in providing easy access of information to public and help participate in decision-making and conveniently transact with the government. Outlining e-governance strategies of MCD, Mayor Ashok Kumar Jain said that the aim is to digitise records of departments that have highest interface with public, to develop small applications on client-server model with web-interface, to train municipal staff in computer literacy and to prepare a master plan for IT that lays the groundwork for creating MCD’s IT infrastructure in the long run. MCD has already launched an online web portal which is providing a host of municipal services to the people of Delhi.

Under the e-governance initiative, citizens can avail of services from 12 citizen service bureaus (CSBs) set-up in Delhi. The project will also enable citizens to securely transact over the Internet for bookings and payments of birth/death certificates, marriage halls, parks and crematorium-related services.

Commenting on the project, Manoj Kunkalienkar, executive director at ICICI Infotech said, “The MCD project is a significant achievement for ICICI Infotech as it provides an opportunity to leverage ICICI’s local and international expertise. Given the special place that Delhi holds, both nationally and internationally, this project will serve as a role model for municipal governance in the country.” He further added, “Clearly, this is a trend where progressive government bodies are embracing information technology to facilitate transparency and efficiency in transforming the lives of citizens. In view of this trend, ICICI has an e-governance practice which caters to local governments, agri-business, education, health care, transportation, law enforcement and other sectors.”