Gangtok, July 9: (IPR) The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) inaugurated the Sikkim State Portal ( www.sikkim.gov.in) and its mobile application and the launch of Online Tax Payment System, Motor Vehicles Division, Transport Department Government of Sikkim at Samaan Bhawan today.
During the launch of the state portals, the Hon’ble Chief Minister congratulated the Departments for this historic occasion which will provide service to the public at their doorsteps through online payments and from the comforts of their own homes. He also stated that the state government has decided to give arrears under the 5th Pay Commission to the government employees at one go instead of installments since it is the right of the people which should not be taken away.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister said that keeping the objective of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Digital India in mind, the state government with this step is working to ensure that the government’s services are made available to citizens electronically by making the state digitally empowered in the field of technology. He also mentioned that awareness programmes have to be done so that common people are informed of such services and they avail of these opportunities which have been provided by the government.
He highlighted the difficulties being faced by the public of far flung areas for official works and documentations and thus appealed all departments to make all possible services of the government into e-services and mobile services. He also requested that all departmental services to be made online for the convenience of the general public.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister also paid tribute to Late Dr. A.K.Singh, Former Addl. Director, AHVS, Government of Sikkim who died during the Mansarovar Yatra on July 7th . He thanked the Home Ministry, the Chief Secretary, Chinese officials, Tourism Department and everyone else for their help in this unfortunate tragedy. He also extended his deepest condolence to the bereaved family.
The Hon’ble Minister, Transport Department, Shri Sanjit Kharel thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister for empowering the people by removing the hassles faced in obtaining any kind of services and for making the system secure, transparent and user-friendly. He said that the main thrust of the Department is public service with introduction of the online system and to bring comfort to the people which should be optimum. The Hon’ble Minister also stated that various efforts and facilities are being made and the Department will provide training to driver association/vehicle owner for online payment system. Mass media campaign will also be used for wide publication for awareness to citizens on online tax payment, he stated.
The Chief Secretary, Shri A.K.Shrivastava said that this was a huge day for the entire state and it ensures that the state government’s services are made available to the citizens with much convenience and transparency. He said that these Departments are public oriented departments and as such accountability, user friendly and regular updates are necessary so that public can benefit from these services provided.
He also stressed on the need for awareness and training so that people are more informed whereby these kind of public oriented initiatives are used at the optimum. He applauded the traffic system of the state and added that with these new systems of registrations, renewals at an instant, the state would head towards more digital advantages.
Earlier the welcome address was given by Secretary, Transport Department, Shri S.B.Subba who mentioned that the state was transitioning towards digital mode whereby the digitized documents will make data and information more secure. Dy RTO, Shri Karma Zimba Bhutia gave a brief presentation on the technical report and the vote of thanks was given by Director, Department of IT, Shri Rajendra Chettri.
The programme also had the attendance of ACS Shri V.B.Pathak, DGP Shri S.D.Negi, Secretary CMO Shri S.D.Dhakal, M.D (SBS), DC (East), SP (East), distinguished guests and officers of various departments.
