The Punjab government will spend Rs 6 billion on governance and information technology during the current fiscal year with intent of increasing efficiency in public service delivery, enhancing the digital literacy of the citizens, modernizing governance and attracting investment thereby spurring economic growth.
By investing in this growing sector, the Punjab government is aiming to make Punjab the hub of information technology (IT). According to an official document of Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2019-20, the government is determined to avail every opportunity to accentuate and materialize citizen centric good governance through use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
"Use of information and communication technology (ICTs) for promotion of accessibility, entrepreneurship, innovation and ICT adoption in business and public sector leading towards economy boosting reflects overall approach of government of the Punjab," it added.
Through the allocation in ADP 2019-20, the government is seeking to bridge the digital divide across gender, region and economic classes, and achieve accessible and affordable access for all. Moreover, it wants to establish Punjab as the preferred destination for local and international investment in the information technology/information technology enabled services (IT /ITES) industries.
Also, it wants to embark upon the e-governance programme in order to improve service delivery by minimizing the turnaround time (TAT) for various functions of the government, thus minimizing human intervention and increasing transparency. Major schemes to be completed during FY 2019-20 are: digitization, preservation and modernization of Punjab archives and libraries; introduction of prison management information system in order to maintain a comprehensive database of inmates and staff, which will help improve the management of district jails in Punjab; and revamping of Bomb Disposal for Civil Defence Punjab.
Moreover, Punjab Police Integrated Command, Control and Communication Centre at Dera Ghazi Khan will be launched to meet the security needs of citizens of Dera Ghazi Khan and Taunsa. The government will set up Arfa Karim Technology Park - Phase-II on public private partnership (PPP) mode. The government will develop better linkages among different implementing and sponsoring agencies to learn from each other, avoid duplications, enhance transparency and accountability and ensure optimum value for money.