By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Thursday launched the Meghalaya Integrated Information System (MIIS), a first of its kind system in the country that will disseminate information to the citizens of the State.
The new hi-tech system would replace the old fixed loud speaker system which have been installed in different parts of the State.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr Sangma said that the system would enable citizens to be well informed about Government schemes, while adding that the system would especially benefit the rural areas where people are not informed about Government schemes and programmes.
“People are not able to take advantage of the schemes and become active stakeholders because they have no knowledge of the schemes launched from time to time,” the Chief Minister reiterated.
The system employs state-of-the-art technology in which the entire State would be covered through the use of loudspeakers and LED based text display panels.
The Government also plans to initiate video display panels in the second phase of the programme by using the power and reach of the Internet.
“Democracy becomes more vibrant when people are well informed,” Dr Sangma said while adding that all the block headquarters and markets will be covered under the system.
Under the first phase, the system will be installed in the 119 locations in Shillong, Jowai, Tura, Ampati and Nongpoh while the State would roll out 338 more information systems in other parts of the State.
I&PR Minister AT Mondal said that the Government wants to give a platform to the people to come closer to the Government through the Government to Citizen (G2C) and Consumer to Government (C2G) services.
“This system should become a mouth piece of the Government,” Mondal added.
Under the new system, people will be kept informed about the application procedures for obtaining different government services — ration cards, driving license and other benefits — adding people can also use the system to get information about employment opportunities and educational facilities including quota seats and scholarships.
The main component of the system are multi-mode feedback system based on toll free calling, email, web and physical receipt besides a citizen facilitation centre for various Government assistance.
Mondal admitted that this initiative is a brain child of Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma.
Chief Secretary WMS Pariat, while addressing the gathering, also stated that the system would largely help the Government in projecting its schemes as earlier Government was finding it difficult to project public-friendly schemes.
Senior Government officials and staffs from different departments were also present on the occasion.
