[icernet] A town goes virtual, and reaps in real time

[Arul Selvan]

In the home port of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, a facility of a different
kind has been making waves. Today it’s the pride of the city, a model for
governance since it guarantees instant delivery of civic services. It has
even caught the international eye, winning the UNDP award and a nomination
for the Stockholm Challenge.

People can settle their bills online, check the status of building and water
supply plans, receive direct information on births and deaths, track garbage
clearance, even scan tender notices — in short, all basic services that
seemed so elusive because of the time, money and energy involved.

Saukaryam delivers online, a public-private venture created through
broadband leased circuits. Banks where payments to the corporation can be
made have also been linked to the metro area network.

Source:
http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=17805