Mobile Seva Wins UN Award
Mobile Seva Wins UN Award
An initiative conceptualised by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology of the government of India has won a UN public service award. This award has been conceptualised to deliver public services through an electronic mobile platform.
Mobile Seva is a nationwide initiative which has been conceptualised, implemented and funded by the Department of Electronics and IT. This is the second place winner of the UN Public Service Awards for the year 2014 with Bahrain, Cameroon, Brazil, Spain and Republic of Korea.
The vision of Mobile Seva is to provide mainstream mobile governance in India as a new paradigm for electronic delivery of public services via mobile devices. It also leverages the massive penetration of mobile phones in the country to increase access to electronic services, specially in rural areas.
This mobile service benefits the poor, needy, disabled, elderly, illiterate and women in ensuring that they can access electronic governance services. Access to mobile phones is much greater in such segments of the country as compared to access to internet. In fact, many Indians access online services through mobiles as well.
The main purpose of this initiative is that it is a one-stop solution for mobile based public service delivery needs through channels that are mobile based. This includes SMS, voice integrated voice response system and mobile applications according to a statement.
UN Awards and Forum celebrated such public service initiatives for innovative governance that enhance sustainable development and the well-being of citizens. The annual observance of Public Service Day highlights the important contributions of public servants and administrators to develop a better world for all, according to UN General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon.
At the time of the complex and interdependent international challenges, effective governance and public administration are needed for implementing the post 2015 development agenda, according to Ban.
This institutions demonstrate principles supporting accountable and collaborative governance. New pathways have been explored for responsible and accountable governments as this can lead to sustainable development according to Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Wu Hongbo.
Some of the best projects this year include improving access to education and increasing the amount of potable drinking water in rural areas. Improved social security systems and enhanced quality of health care is also critical. Enhancing transparency through increased information access was also a theme of some of the award winning projects this year. June 23 was declared by the UN as the UN Public Service Day from the year 2003 onwards.
