The Punjab-based Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) has recently garnered attention in the news. This public institute, in partnership with the National Institute of Smart Government (NISG), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for capacity building. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing e-government services across the state.
The Genesis of the National Institute of Smart Government
The National Institute of Smart Government (NISG) is a non-profit organization. It was formed in a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) based on recommendations from the National Taskforce on Information Technology and Software Development. Established as a Section 25 company in 2002, the NISG shares its equity between private and public sectors, 51% and 49%, respectively. Its headquarters are located in Hyderabad.
Key Stakeholders of the National Institute of Smart Government
NISG’s key stakeholders include NASSCOM, the Government of India, Andhra Pradesh, IL&FS, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, and Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation. The core objective of establishing NISG was to help the Indian government keep abreast of the ongoing revolution in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The institute plays a significant role in transforming the government’s interaction with citizens and businesses entities.
e-Gov Knowledge Exchange: An Initiative by the National Institute of Smart Government
The National Institute of Smart Government initiated the eGov Knowledge Exchange. It is a comprehensive platform designed to develop, collate, and distribute insightful and authentic knowledge related to e-Governance across India. The portal brings together vital learnings and policy guidelines on projects under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). It also includes other initiatives taken by several governments at both national and state levels across India.
NISG’s Proposal for a Digital Indian Rupee
The National Institute of Smart Government recently proposed issuing a digital Indian rupee. This proposal, referred to as the Central Bank Digital Rupee (CBDR), surfaced in the NISG’s draft on the National Strategy on Blockchain. By doing so, the institute furthers its mission of modernizing government operations and services through ICT.