In a significant move toward modernization and environmental sustainability, Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy announced on Saturday that the entire legislative assembly will soon go paperless. This initiative is expected to be fully implemented within two years, marking a notable achievement in the BJP-led state government’s commitment to digital governance.
Embracing Technology for Legislative Efficiency
Speaker Padhy revealed that the National eVidhan Application (NeVA) is spearheading the digitization of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The project has already commenced, with a training program organized on Saturday to familiarize officers of District Information Centres (DICs) with the NeVA process.
“Our target is to make the state assembly paperless. I hope we will achieve this target within two years. We plan to provide training to MLAs through NeVA. The previous government had taken steps to make the assembly’s work paperless. Tablets have been installed at each MLA’s table in the assembly so that paper will not be needed,” said Padhy.
Training and Capacity Building
In addition to technology integration, comprehensive training programs are being arranged to ensure that all legislators and assembly staff are well-versed in the new digital systems. This initiative will ensure a smooth transition and efficient functioning of the state assembly.
Padhy mentioned that a state-level training camp on capacity building in NeVA was inaugurated on Saturday, underscoring the assembly’s dedication to equipping its members with the necessary skills for this digital shift.
Environmental and Transparency Benefits
The digitization of the Odisha Assembly is anticipated to create an environment-friendly workspace by significantly reducing paper usage. Furthermore, it will enhance transparency and efficiency in legislative operations. Official sources highlighted that the NeVA portal will provide comprehensive details about all activities within the assembly, including question hour, bill presentations, and subsequent discussions.
Assembly Secretary Dasarathi Mishra emphasized that the digitization process will ensure transparency in the functioning of the House and save time for both government and opposition parties. “It will provide information from the district level to all MLAs in the state,” he added.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence
The project will also utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the digitization process, thereby ensuring a seamless and efficient transition to a paperless assembly. This integration of AI is expected to further streamline legislative processes and improve overall governance.
A Legacy of Digital Initiatives
The move to a paperless assembly builds on the previous government’s efforts, such as the presentation of a paperless budget and making assembly questions and answers available on the NeVA portal for public access. This continuity and enhancement of digital initiatives reflect the BJP-led government’s commitment to leveraging technology for better governance.
Conclusion
As Odisha moves towards a fully digital legislative assembly, the benefits of this transformation are manifold. From environmental sustainability to enhanced transparency and efficiency, the initiative underscores the progressive vision of the BJP-led government. Speaker Surama Padhy’s announcement marks a significant step forward in making Odisha a leader in digital governance.
The successful implementation of this project within the next two years will not only set a benchmark for other states but also showcase Odisha’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development.
Prasanta Patnaik