In keeping with the spirit of observing Good Governance Day on December 25 to celebrate the birthday of former prime minister of India, Bharat RatnaAtalBehari Vajpayee; Dibrugarh University observed Susasan Divas with a week-long programme during December 25 – 31, 2016.As part of the observation, a stakeholders meeting was held on December 29, 2016 which was attended by members of the University fraternity apart from villagers of the adopted village of the University. The meeting was held at the Indira Miri Conference Hall, DU.
The Inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Alak Kr. Buragohain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dibrugarh University.He expressed his individual perceptions on Good Governance urging on the crucial need for flawless execution as an inevitable mantra for success of any Governance activity. Drawing in practical examples from his vast experiences, he mentioned about the lack of awareness and irrational opposition by stakeholders as the major barriers to successful implementation of Good Governance. He further advocated that RTI is a magnificent tool for a democratic population, if used wisely. A notable aspect in the address was the significance of successful communication of information for increasing efficiency of operation in governance activities.
Mr. Gunadeep Chetia, Programmer, Dibrugarh University gave a presentation on Cyber Crime showcasing the various types of cyber attacks, the kinds of cyber attackers, the victim’s vulnerabilities, activities that compromise cyber security, etc. The presentation covered some vital aspects of desktop security, internet security, email security, social networking security, wi-fi security and mobile security. Mr. Chetia’s presentation highlighted the existing laws and regulations for cyber law viz. IT Act, 2000 and the gradual rise of cyber crime cells and cyber forensic labs throughout the land.
The next presentation was given by a research scholar from the Department of Commerce, DU and an employee of DODL, DU, Mr. RajpolBharadwaj. He demonstrated the use of *99# (especially for basic cellphone users) for easy banking from cellphones with Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). The scholar explained with video guides regarding usage USSD service from network providers. He covered usage of Mobile Personal Identification Number(MPIN), Mobile Money Identifiers(MMIDs), Indian Financial SystemCodes(IFSC), UPI app and related applications.
Mr. Diganta Bora, Assistant Registrar, Finance also made a presentation detailing the activity timeline of Finance Department, Dibrugarh University, highlighting significant milestones from 2009 to 2016. From the installation of MIS; e-Payment for admissions and bills; online application for convocation and online Dibrugarh University Research Admission Test (DURAT); Project Research Monitoring systems, etc., gradual but significant evolutionary changes have shaped the Finance Department of DU towards ease of access, transparency of procedures and reliable system governance.
Representatives from State Bank of India were also part of the meeting. They gave a presentation to promote various digital products offered by SBI.Owing to the recent changes in monetary policy of the country, SBI has been making efforts to digitize banking and provide ease of banking to a digital India. Mrs. Tonmoyee Goswami Barthakur, Officer, SBI, presented on various digital products like State Bank Anywhere app, State Bank Buddy app, SBI Pay, SBI Green Channel Counters, State Bank Samadhan app (guide app for other apps), that can bring in mass change in cashless transactions and flow of money.
Mr. Himadri Barman, Assistant Professor, Centre of Management Studies, DU concluded the meeting by giving a presentation on e-governance time-travelling through the evolution of e-administration to e-services to e-governance and eventually towards e-democracy. He stated the vision of National E-Governance Plan (NeGP) to make all government services easily accessible to all common people with efficiency, transparency and reliability. Mr. Barman illustrated the existing steps taken by Government of Assam and Government of India by citing the establishment of SahajArunodayKendras/Centres in various places in Assam. Currently these Kendras operate in a majority of the states in India bringing the benefits of technology to citizens across the country.
The Inaugural session was closed with a vote of thanks from Prof. Ajanta B. Rajkonwar, Chairperson, Centre for Management Studies, Dibrugarh University. Dr. Rajkonwar proposed that the ideas and thoughts generated in the discussion can be put forth as practical planned proposals to bring viable changes in terms of Good Governance in the University.
Among other programmes as part of the Susasan Divas, for popularizing digital transactions usage by citizens is also under way among the University stakeholders. Another important activity that was conducted was a special awareness drive on mobile money transfer among the varsity fourth grade staff who reside on the east campus of the University on December 30 and 31, 2016.The University as part of feedback received has decided to continue the awareness programmes by conducting more such activities in the New Year. The Government of Assam has also offered assistance to the University to promote digitization of services and its usage. It is worth mentioning that Dibrugarh University is aggressively digitizing its services including online admission, online project monitoring, using payment gateways for submission of fees, etc.
