In the Age of
Information, e-governance is assuming a very vital role in the
body politic. Governments and their institutions even in India
are slowly, but steadily going online to offer the public both
services and information. Considering how painful a process it
has been till now to avail of both these, the Internet promises
to usher in an era of greater transparency and facility. Here
then are a few of the better government sites.
National Informatics Centre (NIC)
Leading them all, and in fact a parent to quite a few
which we have talked about below, is the site put up by the
National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the aegis of the Ministry
of Information Technology. Here you will find a Government of
India Directory giving quite a comprehensive listing of all
government-related sites like the Indian Parliament, apex
organisations, ministries and departments, Indian states,
educational institutions and banking and finance organisations.
Though NIC hosts many of the sites, the content is provided and
updated by the relevant organisations.
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
On top of the NIC sites we must surely place the
official Website of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) set up
by the Government of India to advise and guide Central govt
agencies in the field of vigilance. There was a lot of
controversy when it was put up a few months ago, mainly because
it was thought that it might tarnish the names of those who are
merely under suspicion, but not proved guilty of corruption. But
the CVC continued with the site undeterred. Here, there is a
simple form that you fill in to report the venality of any govt
official and send it across by e-mail. You can have a dekko at
all the corruption cases pending before the various authorities,
the officers who have been advised major penalty, the agewise
pendency of CBI Cases in Courts and a list of investigation
reports awaited. A Vigilance Manual is available here for
download in portable document format.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
The site of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
is also another proactive site. Interested in the complete report
of the CBI on 'Cricket Match Fixing and Related Malpractices'?
Here's where you'll get it -- the history of betting syndicates,
statements of the major players, legal aspects et al, are all
well listed. Here you will get to know about the functioning of
the CBI today, the various cases handled by the CBI and the
verdicts given by the courts against each of them, and a
comprehensive list of India's most-wanted or missing persons. In
the last, besides just a listing, you can click on a name and get,
besides a photograph, all relevant details like age, description,
distinguishing marks and something about the crime committed. You
are also told which official to contact with information, and
what would be your reward.
Armed Forces
It's sad that our interest in our armed
forces only surfaces when there is a war or a scandal. It is time
we learnt something more about the brave men who are called in to
handle every emergency. So check out this site which gives
comprehensive cover to the army, navy, airforce and inter-services
institutions. The matter is well written and illustrated. For
each division of the forces, there are sections which include
history, strength, major operations, UN peace keeping, gallantry
awards won, welfare activities, training courses and career
prospects. While the individual sections are quite up-to-date, we
were rather disappointed to see that while the main page had a
section devoted to the recently constituted Task Force On
Management Of Defence, this only contained a message from the
chairman, Arun Singh and a backgrounder. The recommendations,
which are already out, are not included. There is quite a
comprehensive page on the Kargil conflict giving a summary of
operations, the list of heroes of the war and a photo gallery,
among others.
Passport
Now, if you need passport forms, or you
want to check out passport rules and regulations, here's a
convenient place to come. The application forms, whether for
fresh applications, renewals after expiry or for lost or damaged
passports, are available for download in PDF format. Those who
have applied for passports from the Bangalore, Chennai, Bhopal,
Lucknow, Chandigarh or Delhi centres can find out the status of
their application by just entering the file number and the year
of application. Besides passports, the site also has sections
covering visa applications and information for persons of Indian
origin (PIOs). The contact section lists all the 28 passport
offices in India and 160 contact centres internationally.
Indian Rail
Finally, here are a couple of non-NIC
sites. The first belongs to the Indian Railways which allows you
to make reservation enquiries online by entering your PNR number.
This service is not a 24-hour one, but available only from 5am to
11pm. Fair enough. You can find out the trains available between
different stations and the fare and accommodation status. There
is a lot more information that you can tap into, particularly if
you are not one for buying time tables. However, be prepared for
long waits for your enquiries.
Public Works Department (PWD),
govt of Maharashtra
This non-NIC site is the official Web page of the
Public Works Department (PWD), govt of Maharashtra. You can start
with delving into the 150-year-old history of this department
which is mainly entrusted with construction and maintaince of
roads, bridges and government buildings. Here you get information
about the latest works being undertaken by the department,
particularly in Mumbai. There is a regular update on the traffic
through Bhorghat, on the Mumbai-Pune road (NH 4), which is
arguably the most sensitive stretch of highway in Maharashtra.
There is a useful little section on knowing about traffic signs.
Then, if you want to make a booking at any of the PWD guest
houses, you can check out the guidelines for registration (all in
Marathi) and the addresses and telephone numbers of the guest
houses. The business section will be useful for contractors.
Contact: Manuel Fernandes
Updated 19/November/2000