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What is Jan Soochna Portal? UPSC CSE

Jan Soochna Portal

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Summary of Jan Soochna Portal

The Jan Soochna Portal (JSP), launched by the Rajasthan government in 2019, aims to enhance access to information about welfare schemes for beneficiaries. It aligns with the Right to Information (RTI) Act's Section 4(2), promoting proactive disclosure. JSP provides details on government schemes through web, mobile, and kiosks. It enhances transparency, centralizes governance information, and aids in social audit. However, there are certain challenges such as the digital divide, data accuracy, and infrastructure issues. Hence, JSP requires awareness campaigns, data integrity measures, cybersecurity, infrastructure development, and interdepartmental coordination for effective implementation.

The Jan Soochna Portal (JSP), launched by the Rajasthan government in 2019, aims to enhance access to information about welfare schemes for beneficiaries. It aligns with the Right to Information (RTI) Act's Section 4(2), promoting proactive disclosure. JSP provides details on government schemes through web, mobile, and kiosks.

The portal provides information related to various government schemes, programs, and services across different departments. It includes citizens’ information on services such as pensions, ration distribution, scholarships, land records etc.

The Jan Soochna Portal is open to all citizens of Rajasthan. It is particularly beneficial forcitizens who are seeking information about government schemes and services they are eligible for.

Background of Jan Soochna Portal

In 2019, the Rajasthan government introduced the "Jan Soochna Portal" with the goal of facilitating information access for beneficiaries of welfare schemes. This portal marks the first public information platform of its kind.

Introduction of Jan Soochna Portal

The Jan Soochna Portal seeks to empower the public by offering information about government authorities and departments, providing them with valuable access to information. This portal is designed to be accessible to the general population and encourages social auditing alongside its primary goal of making information available to the public.

About the Jan Soochna Portal

  • The portal is developed collaboratively by the Department of Information Technology and Communication (DoIT&C) and civil society.
  • It contains details about 23 government schemes and services from 13 departments.
  • It is accessible with a single click on computers, mobiles, or kiosks in villages.
  • JSP is aligned with the true purpose of Section 4(2) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005.
    • Section 4(2) of RTI Act: requires public authorities to suo moto disclose information to the beneficiaries.

How JSP Works?

  • JSP offers information through both the URL (jansoochna.rajasthan.gov.in) and a toll-free number.
  • Citizens can access information by choosing the relevant scheme on JSP, using e-Mitra Plus machines, or the Jansoochna mobile app.
  • The Department of Information Technology is the central department responsible for JSP's development, operation, and maintenance.
  • Accessing information through JSP is free of charge.
  • Using JSP, citizens can retrieve their own personal information from Gram Panchayat to District Level.
  • Grievance redressal officers will be appointed to ensure accountability of the State government.

Some of the Information provided under JSP

Information related to Public Distribution System (Ration), Swachh Bharat Mission (Sanitation Beneficiaries), e-Panchayat, Social Security & Pension Beneficiary, Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, District Mineral Foundation trust, and Ayushman Bharat is available under JSP.

Significance of JSP

  • JSP establishes an efficient system for public information to prevent irregularities and corruption.
  • It centralizes information about government schemes on a single website.
  • It enhances transparency by enabling the public to access governance-related information with a simple click, fostering social audit.
  • JSP minimizes the need for a cumbersome RTI application process, reducing RTI pendency.
  • It contributes to good governance by promoting transparency, accountability, proactiveness, and equity (essential pillars according to the World Bank).
  • JSP fulfills the RTI Act's mandate by encouraging proactive disclosure and the democratization of information in both its letter and spirit.

Challenges of JSP

  • Digital Divide & Digital Illiteracy: might hinder the effective use of the portal, especially in rural areas
    • Indian women face a 15% lower likelihood of owning a mobile phone and a 33% lower likelihood of using mobile internet services compared to men (Oxfam: India Inequality Report 2022: Digital Divide).
    • Only 31% of the rural population uses the Internet, contrasting with 67% in urban areas (Oxfam: India Inequality Report 2022: Digital Divide).
  • Data Accuracy & Updating: usefulness of the information on the portal depend on regular updates. Ensuring timely updates can be a challenge.
  • Infrastructure: Limited internet connectivity in remote and rural areas poses a challenge for accessing the portal.
  • Data Privacy: The portal deals with a considerable amount of citizen data. Ensuring robust privacy measures to protect user information and comply with data protection regulations is essential.
  • Data Integration: Different departments might use different systems, making it challenging to have a unified and integrated information portal.

About RTI

  • RTI Act was enacted in 2005 with the aim to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability and to contain corruption.
  • Section 4 of the RTI Act requires suo-moto disclosure of information by each public authority
  • JSP is a remarkable achievement in advancing the Right to Information (RTI)

Conclusion for Jan Soochna Portal

To make JSP successful, there is need to ensure that the citizens are aware of the portal and its functionalities. Data integrity is also vital for building user trust. Hence, Cybersecurity measures, including regular audits are needed to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. Infrastructure development such as enhancing internet access coupled with interdepartmental coordination is necessary to ensure seamless data integration. Other state governments should be encouraged to emulate Rajasthan's initiative which aims for inclusive governance. The Jan Soochna Portal is a commendable step towards promoting transparency, equity, and good governance in Rajasthan. JSP showcases the transformative potential of digital governance for citizen empowerment and good governance.

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