Maha government proposes 'virtual cadre' to improve e- governance

In a move aimed at improving e-governance in the state, a proposal for the creation of a ‘virtual cadre’ of employees, who will be trained in information technology (IT) services, has been mooted by the government.

After the state government decided to adopt practices for paperless administration, it became clear that there was a need for well-trained employees who could drive the new system.

However, instead of hiring new personnel from outside the organisation, the high power committee (HPC), headed by the chief secretary JK Banthia, has decided to train existing employees across existing departments.

“The cadre will shoulder the information and technology related responsibility besides their usual job profile.

Employees across designations will be selected for the IT profile and will be called ‘IT Champions,’ an official from the IT department said.

“Our department has taken decisions about the operational modalities, the final decision about policy matters should be taken by the HPC sometime next week,” he added.

Employees chosen in the cadre will have to go through certain tests and periodic evaluations.

Appointment to the cadre would be over time in order to avoid instances of malpractices by employees.

“The percentage of employees to be chosen in the cadre would vary with each department. The final decision will be taken by the HPC,” an official said.

According to the proposal, approved in-principal by the HPC, the employees will receive a salary hike as an incentive for the work they put in. However, the official said that the final decision on a salary raise of 5 per cent has not been taken yet.