|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Government of India is taking decisive steps to protect citizen data and promote digital governance, responding to the increasing need for robust cyber security measures and responsible data management. Recent actions by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) underscore the government’s commitment to creating an open, safe, and accountable digital environment for its citizens.
In a significant move to protect sensitive personal information, MeitY has identified and blocked websites that were exposing critical data, including Aadhaar and Permanent Account Number (PAN) details of Indian citizens.
The government views this issue with the utmost seriousness, prioritising safe cyber practices and personal data protection. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has lodged a formal complaint with police authorities, citing violations under the Aadhaar Act that prohibit the public display of Aadhaar information.
An analysis conducted by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) revealed security flaws in these websites. As a corrective measure, CERT-In has provided guidance to website owners on fortifying their ICT infrastructures to address vulnerabilities. Additionally, CERT-In has issued comprehensive guidelines for secure application design and development, along with directives under the Information Technology Act, 2000, to promote sound information security practices.
In line with these initiatives, MeitY has notified the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, which highlights the importance of non-disclosure of sensitive personal data. Affected parties have the right to file complaints and seek compensation from the Adjudicating Officer, now empowered as the IT Secretaries of the States under the IT Act.
Furthermore, the recently enacted Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, is poised to enhance data protection, with rules currently being drafted to establish its framework. To raise awareness among government officials, industry stakeholders, and citizens about data protection, an extensive awareness programme has been initiated, aiming to promote responsible data use and minimise unnecessary exposure.
In tandem with these efforts to protect citizen data, MeitY is also advancing its vision of Digital India through capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing digital governance. The ministry has launched the third phase of its training programmes, focusing on critical areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure, Contract and Procurement Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Management.
On September 26, 2024, the second regional programme on Contract and Procurement Management was inaugurated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with participation from 28 officials representing central ministries and western states. Spearheaded by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) of MeitY in partnership with the National Institute for Smart Governance (NISG), this initiative aims to equip officials with the skills necessary to navigate procurement challenges effectively.
The NeGD is committed to designing and implementing various capacity-building programmes that offer immersive learning experiences. By integrating theoretical concepts with practical case studies and industry expertise, these training sessions are designed to empower officials to tackle contract execution and procurement challenges within their departments.
These capacity-building efforts reflect India’s broader digital governance agenda, which emphasises transparency, efficiency, and accountability. By enhancing the skills of government officials, the ministry aims to ensure that digital transformation in public services is both effective and secure.
Through these multifaceted initiatives, the Government of India is not only striving to safeguard citizen data but also fostering an environment of enhanced digital governance. By investing in capacity-building and implementing robust data protection measures, India is paving the way for a more secure and efficient digital future for its citizens.
This proactive approach positions India as a leader in responsible digital governance, aiming to build trust among citizens and enhance their confidence in government initiatives.
