e-office, a digital workflow that combines the features of existing manual files with the efficiency of an electronic system, has gathered traction in the district, with the system logging a landmark 10,000 files at the district collectorate alone in just over a year of its implementation.
The feat was achieved on Monday, and the total count of digital files created stood at 10,181. Besides, the collectorate topped in the State in October having created 1,692 files under the digital workflow, which was 407 files more than those created by the Kannur collectorate, which is in the second spot.
“These are very impressive numbers considering that Ernakulam was late to commence the system, having introduced it only in September this year. However, we made sure that all major sections in the collectorate activated the e-office system,” said District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla. The Fort Kochi Revenue Divisional Office, where the system was launched four months ago, has so far created 1,560 digital files.
The district administration now plans to roll out the project in taluk offices next year for which financial assistance has been sought from the State government. Plans are also afoot to make file-tracking accessible to the public shortly in keeping with the spirit of e-governance. Once it is activated, one could track the progress in the processing of complaints or applications.
Online petitions
“Once the system is matured and evolved enough, which may take a few years, it will be even possible for the public to file petitions online,” said Mr. Safirulla.
The objective of the project is to shift the services of government organisations to a digital platform to bring in more transparency and efficiency while doing away with the huge amount of largely unaccountable paperwork.
The system will also ensure that officials do not fall back on the excuse of being away from office for delay in clearing files, they will be available anywhere over the e-office platform.
The system also rules out the possibility of manipulating signatures of the approving authority as it provides scope for verifying the digital signature of the authority concerned.
