In a significant push towards modernizing its administrative framework, the Goa Lok Bhavan has unveiled a dual initiative aimed at bolstering internal governance and honoring the state's cultural identity. The move focuses on implementing a comprehensive digital solution and renaming a key facility within its premises.
Embracing a Digital Future with Deepastambh
The heart of this administrative transformation is the launch of a new, in-house developed software platform named "Deepastambh". This initiative is designed to drastically cut down paper usage while strengthening institutional security through automation. The platform has been developed by Lt Cdr Abhishek Dhiman, who serves as the aide-de-camp to Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju.
Deepastambh is not starting from scratch; it smartly integrates the existing ePass system that was originally created back in 2019. By bringing this older system under a new, robust digital umbrella, the platform creates a unified framework for handling a wide array of administrative tasks.
What the New System Will Manage
The integrated digital system is engineered to streamline several core administrative processes. Key functions include:
- Processing appointments and official approvals.
- Managing access control and internal movement within the Lok Bhavan.
- Tracking file movement and enhancing inter-departmental coordination.
The primary goals are clear: to enhance administrative efficiency, improve record management, and provide better institutional oversight. The system is currently in the trial phase, indicating a careful, phased approach to its full-scale implementation.
A Nod to Goa's Heritage: Zuari Hall
Parallel to its tech upgrade, the Lok Bhavan has also taken a step to celebrate local culture. The New Durbar Hall located within the complex has been officially renamed as the "Zuari Hall". This change is more than cosmetic; it is a deliberate effort to reflect and honor the rich natural and cultural heritage of Goa. The Zuari is one of Goa's major rivers, making the name deeply symbolic of the state's identity.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The introduction of Deepastambh marks a pivotal shift towards paperless governance in Goa's key administrative nerve center. By reducing reliance on physical documents, the government expects to see faster processing times, reduced errors, and a more transparent workflow. The renaming of the hall complements this forward-looking move by rooting the institution's identity in Goa's timeless legacy.
Together, these two initiatives signal a government body that is simultaneously embracing technological innovation for future-ready administration while paying homage to its historical and environmental roots. The success of the Deepastambh trial will be closely watched, as it could set a benchmark for similar digital transformations in other state departments.
