The Hindu 26.01.2010
GHMC takes the e-way
| IT wing tying up with software giant Wipro |
HYDERABAD: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is going the e-way with its IT wing tying up with software giant Wipro to provide an integrated software solution. Wipro is also involved in similar projects for different municipalities under the State E-Mission Team funds.
“We are looking for a complete solution to improve our delivery systems, take grievances seriously, reduce leakages and lessen contact with our offices for citizens,” explained Commissioner Sameer Sharma.
In an informal chat with presspersons on Monday, he said the project will be ready in 45 days.
The e-project will enable networking with the citizens service centres proposed to be set up in all circle offices and the head office by Mayor B. Kartika Chandra Reddy and also e-Seva centres. “Citizens can pay their taxes, take birth and death certificates, building permissions online besides, tracking status of their respective complaint or files,” he said.
Currently, each department currently had its own software module not inter-linked to each other.
Already e-payments are being resorted to dispensing with cheques. “We will also ensure all contract labour too have bank accounts by putting the clause in the agreements. Biometrics will also be introduced to ensure efficient utilisation of manpower,” he said.
Extensive use of mobile phones is another idea of Mr. Sharma.
“Everyone has a mobile phone these days. Why not send demand notices to all tax payers using Short Message Service (SMS)? Or get feedback from citizens concerned on the works done like repair of roads or an overflowing garbage bins?”.
The Commissioner said mobile phones can also be used to switch off and on streetlights instead of going for timers. At least 20 per cent power cost can be reduced if lights are switched off on time. Various “cost control measures” are being looked at as revenue collection was not upto mark.
A fillip is also being given to the repair of storm water drains and a meeting was also scheduled with Kirloskar Consultants, which prepared the project report on the primary, secondary and tertiary nalas, later this week to decide on the precise flood discharge period as there were conflicting claims.
“The superintending engineers concerned have been directed to prepare estimates so that works on primary drains can be completed before the monsoon sets in,” he added.
