Under the mantra ‘hill se hi-tech’, Uttarakhand is on its way to becoming a hi-tech state, complete with a next-generation data centre, an AI mission and a specialised IT cadre in the state.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched Information and Communication Technology-enabled services at Mukhya Sevak Sadan located at the CM camp office.

These include the inauguration of the Digital Uttarakhand app, the inauguration of 66 websites based on the Secure, Scalable and Accessible (S3Waas) platform, the inauguration of a GIS-based web app developed for real-time tracking of garbage collection vehicles in urban areas, the launch of AI application innovation in the 1905 CM helpline operated for public convenience and the launch of a web-based application for monitoring encroachment.

A next-gen data centre, which will bolster the state’s capacity to meet future challenges, was also announced. Under this, a separate mechanism will also be created for disaster recovery.

The state shall also launch its AI mission to foster tech advancements and economic growth. A centre of excellence will be its nucleus, and it will integrate AI into sectors such as governance, ecology, disaster management, healthcare, tourism, education and agriculture. The other important roles this mission will play are in improving resource allocation and in employment generation.

A next-generation remote sensing and drone application centre is also on the anvil.

The CM said the government was also making efforts to establish a specific IT cadre in the state.

He said the mantra ‘hill se hi-tech’ was aimed at transforming the beautiful hill state into a technologically advanced one.

All the initiatives launched today will improve the governance system as well as bring speed and transparency to various services.

A start has already been made through the Digital Uttarakhand app. This is a flagship initiative to create a unified digital governance ecosystem. Its main goal is to offer a one-stop platform for both citizens and government officials, making access to government services and administrative tools seamless and efficient.

Its key features are that it is a Single Sign-On app, which means that government officials can securely access various departmental services through one digital login, streamlining workflows and reducing manual processes. It empowers citizens to access a range of state government services from certificate verification to application status tracking, and from certificate downloading to surveys.

The app also provides tools for employees to manage administrative functions, fostering collaboration and centralised data monitoring for efficient government operations.

The CM said that all this was part of the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’. Government services were being integrated, simplified and made accessible while allowing for improved and quicker monitoring.

Dhami said that 66 new government websites based on the S3Waas platform will make departmental information accessible to the public in a safe, quick and transparent manner.

The GIS-based web app will do real-time monitoring of garbage collection vehicles in urban areas. To prevent encroachment, any citizen will be able to upload a photo or video of encroachment through a web-based app, following which the concerned department will immediately investigate and ensure action. This entire process can be tracked online.

He also touched upon the 1905 CM Helpline as an important medium of communication between the citizens of the state and the government. The service allows for auto-categorisation of complaints, quick resolution and follow-up monitoring. This will now be enhanced with AI.

The state is pushing for special priority to work like online education, e-health services and land records digitisation. Efforts are being made to provide the benefits of many government services to people from the comfort of their homes through the e-district portal and CM dashboard. Smart classrooms and e-learning platforms are also being expanded for students. Work is also being done to provide advice from expert doctors at home to the citizens of remote areas through telemedicine and e-Sanjeevani services.