The view from the other side

KOCHI, INDIA:  It’s not about bank accounts but what you do with them. Can you enable rural women to have an easier life? Can you cut years’ old handcuffs of moneylenders that affect many Indians even now? Can you be the catalyst for microfinance, micro-withdrawals and really, really change life for the average man on the street?

A little uncomfortable, and a bit fantasy-sounding; these were some tough questions that were posed by Rajesh Agarwal, Jt. Secretary (Financial Services) , Govt. of India at C-Change 2015 today.

He explored the many facets of service delivery and applications of the much talked-about Aadhar card, addressing its real footprint.

E-sign, that helps to recognize Aadhar prints as a digital signature, was illustrated here when he explained the possibilities of e-sign initiative.

Interestingly, as the IT Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra, he had always been encouraging his team comprising State Department Officials, consultants and software developers to think ‘out of the box’ and voice opinions. His focus on simplification and standardization of processes and elimination of transactions including the concept of Home Delivery of G2C services has been very impactful and a noted best practice which has been replicated or adopted at the Centre or in other Departments and State.

He has consistently worked on areas for ‘Minimizing Government & Maximizing Governance’. With excellent IT Infrastructure and skillful human resources, Maharashtra has emerged strongly in utilizing its IT skills for better governance.

Agarwal emphasized on the emerging strengths that mobility is finding in a new India, before concluding his session and gathered a lot of applause on the many interesting ambitions he cited.