Sikkim Supporting the government through ICT

NIC Sikkim State Centre has been making significant strides in providing a wide array of ICT-based solutions to enhance citizen service delivery within the state. These solutions not only promote convenience and transparency but also play a pivotal role in the government’s efforts to uplift the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society. Through the implementation of numerous eGovernance projects, the State Centre has successfully eradicated intermediaries and misappropriation of valuable resources, thereby fostering a more efficient and equitable development.

Nestled amid the majestic Himalayas, Sikkim captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and tranquil beauty. This enchanting state in India weaves together a rich cultural tapestry, blending indigenous traditions, Buddhism, and contemporary influences. In the heart of this vibrant state lies Gangtok, its capital, offering a vibrant window into its culture and serving as a gateway to the majestic Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. Since its inception, NIC Sikkim State Centre has been an unshakable technological cornerstone, propelling the state into the digital age. Through innovative solutions and advanced technolo gy, it acts as the bridge connecting government services with the citizens, promoting transparency and efficiency across various administrative functions. With a steadfast dedication to eGovernance, NIC Sikkim plays a pivotal role in streamlining administrative processes and fostering increased public engagement in the state’s governance.

ICT Initiatives in the State

NIC Sikkim has initiated numerous ICT projects to enhance good governance in the state. Here are some of the key projects:

Guest House Reservation System

This is an online portal designed to facilitate the booking process for various rooms within Sikkim House and Sewa Bhawan in New Delhi, as well as the Tourism Development Guest House in Kolkata. This portal has been exclusively created and is continuously managed by the NIC Sikkim State Unit, in collaboration with the Home Department of the Government of Sikkim.

Pranali

Sikkim Integrated Financial Management System Ver 2.0, also named Pranali, is being developed and deployed in a calibrated manner since 2020. This system has a vision to complete automation of government expenditure and receipts, along with state budgeting. It further facilitates creation of Financial Data Warehouse for easy analysis and informed decision making and online management of resources and liabilities. Following modules completed and implemented are as follows:

• Pre-budget Services: For budget preparation by State Budget Division
• E-Budget: Paperless presentation of Budget in the State Legislature
• Post-Budget: For enforcing budgetary control on expenditure and receipts
• RCO Services: Used by Resource Controlling Officers (RCOs) for resource allocation and monitoring
• Payroll Services: Used by each State Government Offices for salaries and wages
• Nominal Roll Services: Used by Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs), RCOs and Budget Division for Nominal Roll Preparation
• DDO Services: Used by DDOs for preparation of bills, employee management and budgetary functions.
• Administration Services: Used by Finance Headquarters for Administrative purposes
• Treasury Services: Used by PAOs for pre-checking of bills, raising objections on bills, passing of bills and compilation

Fig 2.1: Facets of Pranali (Sikkim Integrated Financial Management System)

Sikkim is dependent on NIC for various e-services, Network Connectivity and Video Conferencing services. The necessity was acutely felt all the more during the two years of COVID. The internet facilities provided helped us deliver government services to the public during the hour of need.

Prem Singh Tamang

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim

LAMS

Land Acquisition Management System (LAMS) is a specialized software for District Collectors’ Offices, streamlining land acquisition by assessing land based on type and properties. It maintains a comprehensive landowner database and generates crucial reports for accurate Land Acquisition Compensation.

COI Management System

This web-based application streamlines the delivery of Certificate of Identification (COI) to citizens. It handles application reception, efficient scrutiny, verification, approval, and issuance of this critical document, essential for accessing State Government Services in Sikkim

Building Permission System

This portal enables architects to register and apply for construction permits for residential and commercial buildings. Drawing files are automatically processed according to building laws integrated into the system, providing citizens with approved blueprints for construction.

Municipal Services

A comprehensive online system has been developed for Gangtok Municipal Corporation to cater to trade license issuances and related services. This includes new licenses, renewals, item management, online payments, and license delivery, eliminating the need for in-person visits. Additional services cover permissions for banners, mega events, and MG Marg events, along with a robust grievance redressal system. This system has significantly reduced GMC office foot traffic and boosted revenue collection.

SNT Online

https://sntonline.sikkim.gov.in

SNT Online is a bus ticket booking system launched by NIC Sikkim in collaboration with NIC Himachal Pradesh for Gangtok-Siliguri route, with plans for expansion. It covers fleet, crew and route management along with mobile apps for travellers, conductors, and inspectors.

SPSC Portal

Sikkim Public Service Commission (SPSC) utilizes this application for conducting all state government recruitments for regular vacancies. SPSC logs in to upload vacancies, while applicants undergo a one-time registration process to apply for any advertised jobs, paying fees online. They can select examination centres and download admit cards as needed. Additionally, SPSC offices can access various reports to facilitate exam conductance

Other Major Initiatives

eCourts

Courts eCourts Mission Mode Project enhances the Justice Delivery System by ensuring interoperability and compatibility with various systems like National Case Management System, Interoperable Criminal Justice System, National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), and more. It aims to boost judicial productivity, making justice delivery affordable, accessible, and transparent. The project manages caseloads, court management, and case management systems. It includes:

• Copy Room Software: Allows online applications for certified copies of High Court orders and judgments for speed and efficiency. Version CRS 1.0 is operational at https://crshcs.nic.in.
• Inventory Management System: Efficiently monitors and manages Court resources, optimizing resource allocation and reducing wastage
• Digital Repository: Stores and manages case files and legal documents
• Paperless Court: Digitizes court processes, reducing reliance on physical paperwork for quicker case resolutions
• Health Record Management System: Facilitates secure storage and access to employee health records, improving healthcare coordination
• Employee Record Management System: Organizes employee-related information and enhancing HR processes within the High Court
• Online RTI Portal: Offers a convenient platform for citizens to submit and track RTI requests, improving transparency and public access to court-related information at https://eservices. hcs.nic.in

eTransport Project

The Transport Project, which began with just two components (Vahan and Sarathi) in 2005- 06, has evolved into a robust ecosystem by 2023, comprising over 1200 RTOs, Dealer registrations, PUCC centres, Fitness centres, Transporters, Citizens, and Insurance firms. It seamlessly integrates sub-systems like eChallan, Homologation, Data analytics, and Next Gen. mParivahan. This technological journey shifted from standalone RTO servers to state registries, eventually to Server Farms in Meghraj with BharatNet/PGCL OFC. It transitioned from Client/Server software to configurable citizen-centric portals and Next Gen. mParivahan mobile Apps powered by APIs/ Micro-Services. Moving RTO databases to the cloud enhanced configuration, data security, application upgrades, and accessibility. With ICT infrastructure support, the number of Regional Transport Offices increased from two to four RTOs for each district in 2010-12, ultimately reaching a total of eight. Online payment of fees/ taxes significantly reduced foot traffic at RTOs, with payments possible through the portal and app, including MV tax payments. Electronic payments within RTOs are now facilitated, eliminating the need for bank queues. The project also ensures automatic updates of new vehicle, insurance, and PUCC data in Vahan, minimizing manual entry errors. Further, eTransport data supports projects like iRAD and VLTDS, fostering robust data sharing with a focus on data privacy and security

iRAD

iRAD’s core objective is to enhance national accident databases by utilizing data analytics to analyze road accident data across the country, ultimately improving road safety and response times for various agencies. It was successfully implemented in Sikkim and inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister, Shri Mingma Norbu Sherpa, along with State Informatics Officer, National Informatics Centre, Dr. L.P. Sharma and Senior Director (IT), Shri D.K. Basnett, with State Resource Manager and District Resource Managers during the Sarathi Samman Diwas event on August 27, 2023. The ceremony was also attended by Speaker of Sikkim State Legislative Assembly Shri Arun Upreti, Deputy Speaker and many other cabinet ministers, high level officials of Sikkim state Government.

Government of Sikkim is dependent on NIC for various e-services, Network connectivity and Video Conferencing services. Last year, Government of Sikkim created two new districts where there is an urgent need to establish NIC District Centres. State Government has already announced for starting a paperless electronic office system in these two districts.

Vijay Bhushan Pathak

Chief Secretary
Government of Mizoram

Public Distribution System

The Public Distribution System (PDS) in Sikkim is responsible for supplying essential commodities to beneficiaries, including those under the NFSA Act. This includes 16,500 households under AAY, 324,081 individuals under PHH, and others under different schemes. Almost 100% Aadhaar seeding in PDS enhances efficiency and transparency. Key modules include:

• EPDS Ration Card Management System: An online application for issuing, modifying, and managing ration cards with real-time data exchange, available at https://epds.nic.in
• FEAST (Food and Essential Commodities Assurance and Security Target): Manages stock inventory, allocation policies, and online order generation with SMS alerts, accessible at https://feastsk.gov.in
• FPS Automation: Uses ePOS devices for transaction capture, authentication, and invoice generation, ensuring no bogus transactions. Managed through https://epos.sikkim.gov.in
• Online Grievance Module: Allows online lodging and tracking of grievances at https://sikkimpdsgrams.nic.in
• Transparency Portals: Provides government orders, beneficiary registers, and more for effective decision-making via https://nfsa.gov.in and https://annavitran.nic.in
• One Nation One Ration Card: Empowers migrants for food security with technology-driven portability using Aadhaar-based authentication on ePoS devices

eTendering

This project facilitates all departments of Government of Sikkim to upload the tenders and facilitates bidders to submit their tender bids online. The bidders can also download the tender schedules from the portal. Total 635 e-tenders have been floated worth ₹ 7505 Crore at sikkimtender.gov.in by 127 users from 69 organizations.

ePanchayat

ePanchayat is an umbrella project comprising of PRIASoft (accounts), PlanPlus (planning), National Panchayat Portal (NPP), Area Profiler, Service Plus, National Asset Directory, and Panchayat Award Software Applications and portals. Sikkim has implemented all the modules of ePanchayat and is effectively used by all stakeholders.

SPARROW

This software monitors government officials’ work and activities, enabling All India cadre officials (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.) to submit their annual performance reports (APARs) with Digital Signature or Aadhaar authentication. It also supports the submission of Annual Immovable Property Returns via the Project Repository Information System Management (PRISM) module. IAS officers exclusively fill out the Executive Record Sheet at https://supremo.nic.in .

MGNREGA-MIS

This software solution by NIC comprehensively manages the MGNREGA scheme, overseeing jobholders’ information, payments, dues, and disbursements. The State Rural Development Department relies on this software to issue new job cards and perform routine updates through its dedicated portal.

NSP 2.0

National Scholarship Portal v 2.0 (NSP 2.0) facilitates monitoring of various scholarships provided to the students through various schemes. It facilities students and schools to apply for scholarship online and online direct transfer of scholarship amount through integration with PFMS portal. All the schools and students use this portal to avail various types of scholarships. NIC Sikkim has trained all the officers and stakeholders for effective use of this portal.

eDistrict

eDistrict, operating under the National eGovernance Plan (NeGP) by the Department of Information Technology, Government of India, focuses on providing electronic access to high-demand services, especially at the district and sub-district levels. These services fill gaps not covered by other Mission Mode Projects (MMPs), with the goal of enhancing service delivery through well-defined standards and outcomes.

In Sikkim, the project has successfully implemented services such as issuing income certificates, caste certificates, property certificates, and more. It has also streamlined the issuance of permits for restricted / protected areas through a digital solution that allows registered travel agents to submit permit requests efficiently, simplifying the process and promoting electronic access.

Ease of doing Business

This project enables government departments to provide G2C services online via https:// serviceonline.gov.in. Services configured and launched on the Service Plus platform include Migrant Labour Registration and Renewal, Legal Metrology (Manufacturer and Repairer), and Packaging License from Legal Metrology. Services like NOC from Fire Department and its renewal, as well as the Log Book for Legal Metrology, are awaiting launch.

Track the Missing Child

This portal adheres to guidelines from Juvenile Justice Act, 2000, Model Rules 2007, and Integrated Child Protection Scheme. It facilitates data entry and matching of missing and found children, as well as tracking the progress of Scheme beneficiaries. Access is provided to 27 police stations and 28 Child Care Institutions across the state.

Core Banking Solution

Core Banking Solution for State Bank of Sikkim automates both government and retail banking through a web-based portal, encompassing ATMs, utility bill payments, and RTGS/NEFT services.

NeVA

National eVidhan Application (NeVA) allows Members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly to view, submit, and process various proposals in the Assembly House. It comprises a Secure Public Portal, House Application, and Mobile Application. Key features include paperless House sessions, online submission and processing of questions and notices, and online system for reports.

Fig 2.5: Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, using NeVa during Sikkim State Legislature Budget Session 2023.

IVFRT

IVFRT aims to enhance online services for travelers entering and leaving India. In Sikkim, a border state with three international borders, this project is crucial. Stakeholders include the Foreigners Registration Office, Local Intelligence Office / Unit, State Home Department, Bureau of Immigration, and Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. It facilitates the collection and tracking of information about foreigners visiting the State and the Country.

Online Permit System for Restricted and Protected Areas

On 15th August 2022, during State Independence Day Celebration, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Prem Singh Tamang launched the Online Permit System for visiting Restricted and Protected areas.

OCMMS

This system automates the workflow related to consent management and monitoring Systems in for State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees. It features multi-level security, online registration for industries / institutions, application submission and approval, document uploading, application monitoring, alert notifications, digital signatures, integration with single-window portals, ePayment options, risk-based inspection, summarized dashboards, and mobile apps for industry and citizens to track Consent / Authorization status.

CONFONET

This project facilities computerization and computer networking of consumer forums and daily uploading and public viewing of order/judgment/cause list/case status from the district consumer forums and Sikkim state dispute redressal commission. Daily orders and/judgments are being uploaded and case status being updated on regular basis in the portal https://confonet.nic.in. Alongside, the eDaakhil portal facilitates citizens to file consumer cases online.

Manav Sampada

This all-inclusive solution covers all aspects of Human Resource Management System (HRMS), managing employee functions like appointment, transfer, increment, and retirement. It features a digital dashboard for easy access to employee details by department and role. Currently, around 30,000 employees are already registered on the portal. At this time, it is hosted on the NIC Himachal Pradesh Mini Data Centre.

eForensics

eForensics is an online case registration system developed by NIC as part of the ICJS (Interoperable Criminal Justice System) project. ICJS aims to expedite justice delivery by enabling data exchange among courts, police, prosecution, jails, and forensic labs, integrating CCTNS with eCourt, ePrison, eForensics, and eProsecution. eForensics is currently operational at the Regional Forensics Laboratory Sikkim in Jalipool, Ranipool, Gangtok.

eAbkari

The eAbkari project is a comprehensive supply chain management system for Beverage Alcohol, Medicinal Alcohol, Industrial Alcohol, and Life Saving Narcotic Drugs. It aims to regulate and minimize social and public health issues while ensuring revenue collection from excisable articles. It offers over 60 eServices. In Sikkim, the eAbkari project has been replicated from West Bengal over the past few years. Currently, services like Grant & Renewal of Licenses, Packaged Liquor Label Registration, and Issuance of import Permits are available online in a workflow-based manner. More services are being added, and there’s also a mobile app to capture the location of excise establishments.

ePrision

ePrison, developed by NIC HQ, is a centralized application that integrates all activities related to prison and prisoner management. It provides real-time information about inmates to prison officials and other entities involved in the Criminal Justice System.

In Sikkim, both State Jail Rongyek and District Jail Namchi are part of the ePrisons portal, where prisoner details are recorded daily. Integration with different wings of the ICJS project is planned to enhance transparency.

Jeevan Pramaan

Jeevan Pramaan is a digital service for government pensioners, offering a biometric-enabled Digital Life Certificate. It simplifies and streamlines the certification process, providing convenience for pensioners. This system is fully operational in Sikkim.

LREMS

Land Revenue Event Management System (LREMS), initiated by District Administration Gangtok and developed by NIC East District, is a mobile app that allows the public to view the monthly schedule of Amin (Surveyor) events and reserve available dates for their use. This project significantly streamlines the land survey process conducted by surveyors.

Water & Sewerage Billing System

This is an online platform aimed at reducing the need for beneficiaries to visit departmental offices for water and sewerage bill processing.

Currently, it facilitates the generation of Water & Sewerage bills by the PHE Department, with citizens able to make online payments through the website https://ephed.Sikkim.gov.in .

Apada Sewa Mobile App.

This app provides digital solution for disaster surveys, enabling quick release of relief funds and restoration efforts. It modernizes hazard site surveys, reduces duplicate applications, and streamlines the process.

Officials can report calamities, assign surveys, review reports, and approve / reject applications. Surveyors can manage assigned work, geotag locations, submit reports with evidence, and check application status. Further, District Collectors can oversee district-wide activities.

Infrastructure and Networking Services

State Mini Data Centre

NIC has established state-of-the-art National Data Centres and Mini Data Centres in various state capitals, with the NIC-Sikkim Data Centre being a notable example. Operational since August 2021, this facility operates around the clock, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical ICT infrastructure and efficient system management by on-site skilled personnel. NIC-Sikkim Data Centre plays a crucial role in supporting various e-Governance initiatives at the state and national levels. It offers high application availability, rapid scalability, and efficient resource management, enhancing its vital role in modern governance. It provide the following range of service models:

• Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS provides pre-installed web and database servers so that one can publish and run web application without worrying about server setup
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS provides basic virtual compute infrastructure resources like CPU, Memory, Disk Storage attached to blank Virtual Machines with allowing one to install Operating Systems, using ISOs, from scratch and customization
• Anti-virus Service: Virus protection is an important part of keeping the systems, applications and data in one’s cloud environment safe from viruses, spyware and other malware threats. Antivirus service is made available to cloud users as a managed service
• Vulnerability Assessment Service: This service helps you to assess Servers and networks for identifying the security vulnerabilities i.e. threats and risks they pose. A vulnerability assessment process detects and classifies system weaknesses in Servers, networks and communications equipment and predicts the effectiveness of countermeasures
• Backup Service: It allows one to backup the data and application code lying inside the Cloud Servers based on various parameters like frequency, retention period etc.
• Storage as a Service (SaaS): It offers on-demand storage, including file and block storage. It encompasses methods like File, Block, and Object storage for data storage on Network Attached Storage (NAS), Storage Area Network (SAN), and Object storage systems, with each volume / object functioning as an independent component controlled by an external server operating system / application
• Load Balancer as a Service: Load balancing Service allows to efficiently get incoming network traffic requests distributed across a group of back-end servers (e.g. server farm / server pool). This service is available on demand for critical application requiring high availability and easy workload manageability
• Public IP Service: A public IP address is an IP address that can be allocated to any of your application on cloud server to make it accessed over the Internet

Web Development

NIC Sikkim has developed websites for several government institutions and organisations including High Court of Sikkim, Sikkim Judicial Academy, Sikkim State Legal Service Authority, and Sikkim Law Department. These websites serve as comprehensive online platforms, providing detailed information about each department’s functions and activities. After a thorough security audit, all websites are now successfully hosted, allowing the general public to access comprehensive departmental information.

Fig 2.8: High Court of Sikkim’s Homepage

Web Domain Services

NIC Sikkim offers web domain registration and creation services to both State and Central Government Departments through https://registry.gov.in and https://eforms.nic.in , ensuring efficient online presence.

Accolades

• Digital India Gold Award 2022 for eTransport Project
• CSI Award of Excellence 2022 for Faceless/Contactless Services under eTransport Project
• Education ICON Award 2021 for Online Education from Kites Craft Production
• Sikkim Independence Day Award 2018
• Sikitex Award for eGovernance in Sikkim for three consecutive years (2009, 2010, 2011)
• Sustainability Award for Community Information Systems

Way Forward

NIC Sikkim’s dedicated teams are driving digital governance in Sikkim with ambitious projects on the horizon. These include eHospital, services for the Municipal Corporation, the Marking Order system for Forest Department, improved Drinking Water and Sewerage Billing, India Enterprise Architecture integration, and finalizing eAbkari modules, among others.

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