Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday directed officials to accelerate the state’s digital transformation by strengthening cyber security, expanding internet connectivity in remote areas and building a robust IT ecosystem during a high-level review meeting of the Information Technology and e-Governance Department.
Chairing the meeting at the Jharkhand Ministry, Soren reviewed the progress of key e-governance initiatives, digital service delivery, data management, cyber security, government service digitisation and IT-based innovations. Discussions also focused on the proposed Digital Jharkhand Vision 2029, the development of an IT Park and the Chief Minister Data Intelligence Platform, which aims to integrate data and portals across government departments for better governance.
The Chief Minister stressed that the vision of a “Digital Jharkhand” could be realised only if technology reached the state’s remote and rural areas. He directed officials to identify internet shadow zones—areas with poor or no network coverage—and prepare a time-bound plan to expand digital connectivity across the state.
Soren asked the Jharkhand Digital Infrastructure Corporation Limited to undertake comprehensive mapping of the state’s digital infrastructure and set a target of connecting all panchayats with 5G services over the next three years. He also reviewed major connectivity projects, including BharatNet Phase-III, Connecting Jharkhand and JharNet 2.0.
Emphasising the need for stronger digital governance, the Chief Minister instructed officials to appoint IT officers in every department and district, integrate departmental data into a centralised system and strengthen the State Data Centre to ensure secure and reliable data management. He also called for regular cyber security audits and the development of an advanced cyber defence mechanism.
Reviewing the functioning of JAP-IT, Soren directed that vacant posts be filled promptly. He also reviewed the implementation of CCTV networks in police stations and LiDAR and satellite-based projects, asking officials to complete them within stipulated timelines.
The Chief Minister further directed all departments to prepare and regularly update photo-based digital succession charts to improve administrative clarity and accountability. He reiterated that government services should be progressively brought onto online platforms to ensure transparent, efficient and citizen-centric service delivery.
Soren also called for the installation of high-quality sound systems in district courts to modernise judicial infrastructure and improve courtroom communication. He said the state’s focus should go beyond establishing IT parks and include promoting startups, innovation, research, skill development and investment to create employment opportunities in the technology sector.
Officials also briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of the Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana, including the number of applications received, verification status and Aadhaar-based payments made to eligible beneficiaries. He directed departments to ensure regular monitoring of all projects and timely completion so that the benefits reach citizens without delay.
