C-DAC has been at the forefront in developing and implementing eGovernance solutions for a number of State Governments. It has been C-DAC's constant endeavor to provide eGovernance solutions, which will result in improved transparency, speedy information dissemination, better administrative efficiency and improved public services.

C-DAC had undertaken the development of a registration software-SARITA for The Department of Registration and Stamps of the Government of Maharashtra.

Dr. Nitin Kareer, Inspector General of Registration & Controller of Stamps, expresses his satisfaction on the successful execution of the project and lauds C-DAC's expertise.

Registration software - Sarita delivering eGovernance benefits to the common man

The Department of Registration and Stamps of the Government of Maharashtra is a major revenue-generating department, which interacts with millions of people each year. It has over 360 registration offices spread out across the state, and employs nearly 2500 employees.

The department had major difficulties due to constant Government directives for increased revenue, inconvenience to the common man, lengthy processing time, etc. This made the entire process of registration most suited for a total revamp through computerization. However, fear and resistance to computerization, possible loss of employment and self esteem to the individuals, old practices that continue from the British rule, regional language use in the work handled were the challenges that had to be faced.

With this background, the department decided to bring about a change in vision, in attitude and in culture, and a major computerization drive was initiated, to provide benefits to be clearly visible for the common man keeping in view the commitment of the Government in terms of its Citizen's Charter. The identified benefits were consistent, re-engineered and simplified processes, for the common man, minimum visits to the registration department, and quick completion of the registration process, alongwith increased revenue to the Government.

C-DAC was appointed as the Total Solution Provider and entrusted the job of designing and developing the Software Stamps And Registration with Information technology Application (SARITA). The work commenced in October 1998. A pilot implementation at select offices and the website www.mahaigr.org was inaugurated in August 2000 by the Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, Dr. P.C. Alexander. Subsequent fine-tuning to incorporate the issues pertinent to the statewide deployment was completed in June 2001. It is immensely satisfying to note that the handing over of the original document to the concerned party is now possible in less than 25 minutes, which was earlier taking a few months time. The project is now well poised for deployment across the state in a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) mode for which necessary process has already been initiated.

C-DAC's team of over 15 professionals worked in a dedicated manner, and in close association with the staff of Department of registration jointly handled the task of bringing about a change in the culture and acceptance of this project of computerization. They were successful in interpreting the departmental requirements, designing a practical system, and the implementation of the same within the given time frame. This is a shining example of excellent teamwork as well as good technical competence in handling a project of this magnitude.

Dr. Nitin Kareer IG Registration Maharashtra