Dr Jitendra inaugurates Puducherry conference, underscores transformation through ‘digital governance’
Excelsior Correspondent
PUDUCHERRY, June 30: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today underscored the transformative role of digital governance in shaping India’s future, asserting that the shift from “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” to a citizen-centric digital ecosystem is central to the country’s administrative and socio-economic reforms.
Delivering the inaugural address at the Southern Regional Conference of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) at Pondicherry University, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted how initiatives launched over the past decade have not only streamlined service delivery but also empowered citizens, especially those in remote and rural areas.
The conference theme, “Empowering Citizens in Digital India, Administrative, Management and Organisational Reforms,” reflects a growing national consensus on leveraging technology for inclusive development, he said.
Organised jointly by the IIPA Puducherry Regional Branch and Pondicherry University, the event also marked the launch of a Governance Cell at the University-a forward-looking initiative aimed at encouraging young minds to engage meaningfully with governance, reform, and nation-building. Dr. Jitendra Singh described the initiative as “a platform to foster a spirit of inquiry, public service, and ethical leadership among students and young professionals.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh drew attention to several governance interventions introduced since 2014, including DigiLocker, UMANG, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile), noting their role in reducing bureaucratic delays and enhancing transparency. “These reforms are not just administrative upgrades-they have massive socio-economic consequences,” he said, citing examples like self-attestation replacing notarised verification and digital life certificates sparing senior citizens the need to physically prove their existence to receive pensions.
In an engaging and often personal speech, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out that reforms such as biometric and face-recognition-based identity systems have been instrumental in humanising governance. “It is not just about adopting technology-it’s about applying it to ensure dignity and ease of living for every Indian,” he said.
Referencing schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojana, the Minister emphasised how digital tools have broadened access to healthcare and housing. “India is the only country where you can get insured for a pre-existing disease. That is a testament to our citizen-first approach,” he said.
During the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh released the book “Digital Governance in India – Transforming Public Service Delivery” authored by Dr. T. Gopinath, Assistant Professor & Dean (Student Welfare), Department of Public Administration, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Chandigarh. He also felicitated retired IAS officer Vallavan for his distinguished contributions to public administration.
Among the dignitaries present were Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Vice Chancellor, Pondicherry University; Dr. Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary, Government of Puducherry; Surendra Nath Tripathi, Director General, IIPA; Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA, Dr Ashok Das, Dean Academics.
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