After the implementation of the e-Governance programme in the local bodies of the state, each panchayat will also go for ISO certification after completing the paperless concept.
The e-Governance programme being implemented at various local bodies are in the final stages of completion.
The majority of the services have now being converted to digital format. Information Kerala Mission (IKM), the implementing agency of the e-governance programme, is integrating various applications of local self governments from preparation of plans to implementation.
For the first time after the decentralisation process came into force, nine panchayats were able to start the implementation of projects from April 1, 2013.
IKM director (technical) Harikrishnan J said that the plan monitoring system has already been implemented by all the local bodies in the state.
The web-based application started on a trial basis during 2012-13 is in full swing in 2013-14, which enabled to process projects worth `10,000 crore.
“Around 2.10 lakh projects are given sanction in this financial year which helps the local bodies implement the projects in the next seven months. This enables more transparency for the implementation and also helps the people’s representatives and officials to monitor the different phases of implementation from any part of the globe”, Harikrishnan said.
The concept of ISO certification was conceived after the deputy director of panchayat office in Alappuzha got the certification. The certification will help in bringing more professionalism to the functioning of the local bodies. The first panchayat to get the ISO certification was Kumbala in Kasargod district in 2010. Now this process will be extended to other local bodies in the state.
When compared to other states in the country, Kerala is far ahead in implementing the social security module. Digitisation has been completed for distributing pension to 14.5 lakh people, he added. The process of providing death and birth certificates online have almost been completed. Now e-payment of property tax is available in 20 local bodies.
Kerala Grama Panchayat Association state president Mathew P T said that the project implementation has started in around 50 per cent of the local bodies, which is happening for the first time. This will help in spending the plan fund before the next financial year. He also pointed out that the asset valuation of local bodies is also moving at a fast phase which will be submitted to the IKM. Within a month the assets of local bodies will be available online, he added.