The recent news on the e-government scamthe infamous Nanda family using its own e-tendering solutionwas a big warning bell. This alleged fraud by C1 India, in association with DGS&D, could be one of the biggest setbacks to all efforts of streamlining and bringing transparency in government functioning. The scam should make everybody, including vendors, NGOs, industry watchdogs, and government officials, sit up, and make sure that the electronic infrastructure of India is not compromised with.

Just look at the names that were using C1Indian Railways, NIC, BHEL, GAIL, ONGC, SAIL, and various state government departments. I believe investment in e-governance is investment in the nations infrastructure, which includes roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, etc.

While India has, over the years, pumped a lot of money into infrastucture, we all know the state of affairs at present. And anyone can tell you that a big factor for the sad state of affairs of our infrastructure is the funds being siphoned off. The last thing we want is to repeat the mistakes we make while creating infrastructure in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. We should decide and invest in the best and most suitable e-governance solutions for India. I hope all our e-governance initiatives will aim at checking it, rather than making it digital.

Ibrahim Ahmad

We should decide and invest in the best and most suitable e-governance solutions for India. I hope all our e-governance initiatives will aim at checking it, rather than making it digital

I am aware of so many similar scams going on in e-governance that I can come out with a new magazine only to write about them. For instance, we are currently working on a few reports that directly or indirectly involve not just e-governance solution vendors but senior level government officials of the rank of urban development secretaries, municipal commissioners, and collectors.

Our countrys electronic infrastructure and processes for governance is a very critical matter, maybe as significant as the safety and security of the country and its citizens. Dataquest will, therefore, like to play its part in ensuring that there is no place for scamsters, and that the most suitable solutions are implemented.

My appeal to all those involved with e-governance, directly or indirectly, is to keep us informed if they sight any hanky-panky, or believe that e-governance decisions are being taken on considerations other than merit. We would try our best to ensure that such cases are brought to the notice of higher authorities, and action is taken against erring officials.

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