Beginning of another saga

A fresh MoU, signed for the period from April 1, 2000 to March 31, 2002, marked the beginning of another extensive collaboration. The project named PWD Online, focused on the computerization of PWD on the whole. Emphasis was on the development of Wide Area Network of 219 offices across the state and web enabled applications development and messaging systems. It involved the following functions:

• Maintenance and Enhancement of Application Software developed during the earlier Phase
  
• Hardware procurement and installation at all the Field offices of PWD
  
• Connectivity of all the offices of PWD: for data transfer upto Divisional offices and mail transfer for sub-divisional offices.
• Analysis, Design, Development and Deployment of Web-enabled modules and Data-Warehousing application
  
• Creation of digital data and Design, Development and Deployment of a GIS application.
  
• Training on Application Software, Basic System and Database Administration, Hardware
• Greater penetration in all offices.

PWD website: www.mahapwd.com

To showcase an improved PWD's image amongst the public, an exclusive Website was designed and developed to provide enhanced transparency and prompt availability of data to both the public at large and the staff. The site was inaugurated on September 15, 2000 (Engineers Day) at the hands of H.E. Dr. P.C. Alexander, Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra. The PWD website has since registered more than 2 lakh hits and is rated as one of the top Government web sites by The Sunday Observer. The site is aimed at:

• Providing greater visibility of activities of PWD to the common man
  
• Spreading computerization efforts and advantages accrued deeper in the government.
  
• Obtaining G2B, G2C, and G2G business.
  
• Providing general information about PWD, its activities, its major projects and other related information.
  
• Facilitating usage of on-line applications like Rest House Reservation, Registration of Contractors, publishing of Tender notices and others

The website also provides updated information on the traffic flow in Borghat on the Bombay - Pune highway.

Some Financial Facts

PWD-Maharashtra has invested approximately Rs 35 crores over the last 5 years in its computerization activities. The annual outlay of Rs 8-10 crores on IT proliferation within the department translates to less than 0.5% of the department's annual budget. However, the benefits in terms of efficient correspondence, faster data transfer, availability of information whenever required, improved interface for the public and various others that have accrued as a result, not only justify this investment but also vindicate the pioneering initiatives taken by the department's officials and staff.

Conclusion

The PWD Online project, apart from being a showcase of successful implementation of I.T. within Government, has provided an enhanced impetus to the implementation of eGovernance in other departments.

The success of any programme of this large magnitude depends on vision, motivation and commitment of the key persons. In this case of PWD, it started from the Hon'ble Minister for PWD, the Chief Secretary, Secretary Works, PWD (Shri. Ajit Pawar), Chief Engineer PWD-Pune (Shri. Anil Jagtap) Maharashtra State and Shri. Amit Prakash, Team Leader of the PWD Project for C-DAC. We congratulate them on this grea t achievement and sincerely thank PWD on an opportunity given. The success has led to the project now being replicated to different extents and scope in the States of Punjab, Tripura while other States of Karnataka, Andha Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala etc. have shown keen interest.

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