The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly is making a landmark move towards embracing complete digitization in the upcoming third session of the 16th state assembly, which is scheduled to commence on January 31. This initiative marks a significant step in modernizing the state's legislative processes and aligning with national efforts to streamline governance through digital technology. The state government has chosen to implement the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) to facilitate all official communication and documentation during this session, making it the first time that such an integrated digital approach will be fully operational.
A release from the Rajasthan Assembly outlined that the NeVA platform will be used by all departments to submit responses to questions, motions, special mentions, assurances, and petitions raised by Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This digital shift will eliminate the need for traditional paper-based processes and allow for real-time communication between the assembly and various government departments. The move is expected to enhance transparency, improve access to information, and speed up the legislative process, as all documents and replies will be available instantly on the NeVA platform.
Speaker Vasudev Devnani emphasized the significance of this shift towards digitalization, explaining that the entire legislative workflow will now be conducted online. All queries, motions, and requests from the MLAs will be sent electronically to the relevant departments, and the departments will respond via the same platform. This is expected to ensure a seamless and efficient exchange of information between the assembly and the government, reducing delays and the chances of errors in the processing of official documents.
To ensure the smooth implementation of the NeVA system, training sessions have been organized for officials and personnel across various state government departments. These sessions have been designed to ensure that every participant is well-versed in using the platform, which will allow them to navigate and operate the system effectively. The training program also aims to familiarize staff with the digital tools they will be using to respond to questions and motions raised during the legislative sessions.
As part of the modernization efforts, the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has taken several key steps to enhance the digital experience in the assembly hall. Each seat in the assembly has been equipped with an iPad, which will serve as the primary device for MLAs to access the NeVA platform during proceedings. The iPads will provide an easy and convenient way for members to access relevant documents, check responses, and interact with the ongoing proceedings without needing paper copies. This not only ensures quicker access to information but also promotes a paperless approach to legislative activities, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
The NeVA project, which involves a suite of software applications tailored to the needs of the legislative process, will be used for the first time in Rajasthan. These applications have been specifically designed to handle everything from submitting questions to responding to motions in a digital format. The system is intended to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the legislative process by ensuring that all communications are centralized in one platform and accessible to all stakeholders. Furthermore, the use of NeVA will make it easier to track the progress of issues, streamline data management, and improve accountability within the legislative process.
The Rajasthan assembly’s decision to go fully digital also coincides with a broader national initiative to digitize governance at all levels. The NeVA initiative, launched by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, is being adopted by legislative bodies across the country, aiming to reduce paper usage, increase efficiency, and improve transparency in legislative functions. By adopting this digital platform, the Rajasthan government is not only taking a step towards improving the operations of its own assembly but is also contributing to the national mission of digitizing governance.
In addition to the NeVA application, the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has installed all necessary computer equipment and other digital infrastructure to support the new system. The assembly has ensured that the transition to this digital format will be smooth by setting up computer systems in the auditorium and installing the required NeVA project components. This marks a significant investment in modernizing the legislative process and creating a more effective, transparent, and accessible system for both lawmakers and the public.
This move towards digitization also comes with an added focus on sustainability. By reducing the reliance on paper, the Rajasthan assembly is making a conscious effort to minimize its environmental footprint. With the increasing concern about climate change and the need for responsible resource usage, the Rajasthan government’s push to make the legislative process paperless is seen as an important step in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Overall, this transition to a fully digital legislature represents a major leap forward in governance for the state of Rajasthan. By leveraging modern technology, the state is set to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of its legislative processes, benefiting not only the lawmakers but also the citizens who rely on the assembly's decisions. With the use of the NeVA platform and other digital tools, Rajasthan’s Legislative Assembly is poised to become a model for other states looking to digitize their legislative processes and make governance more accessible and efficient.
