A state’s steps toward evolving e-governance

Chhattisgarh’s decision to adopt an e-office system has evolved culture of good governance and reforms to create an accountable-responsive administration, Ejaz Kaiser writes

- Ejaz Kaiser

WHEN Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the first digital file in Chhattisgarh on August 24, 2024, it was more than a ceremonial event. It marked the beginning of a transformation in the way government offices function across the state. “The vision is not merely figurative but a series of administrative reforms to be complied with in the future,” the CM had said at the launch, signalling his commitment to a fully paperless, efficient administration.

In the past year, the e-office system has taken root in every corner of government functioning—from the state secretariat and all directorates to divisional offices and district headquarters. “We have embarked upon fully paperless processing of files in Chhattisgarh. The e-office system ensures end-to-end paperless file movement covering all stages—dak receipt, diarisation, Digital Signature Certificate or e-Sign on noting and drafts, dispatch, tracking, closure of files or letters, record maintenance, and archival—all streamlined and being done seamlessly,” said CM Sai.