Information Communication Technology Based Reforms in Office Procedures with Reference to the Gram Panchayats of Kerala

Abstract

The beneficial impact of computerisation is felt in all the• tasks that contribute to the process of decision making in the panchayats. Computerisation is not only benefiting the administration and the citizens but is also improving the democratisation of the decision making process.Panchayats, the grassroots democratic institutions, provide a range of services varying from public works to welfare and development programmes. In the operational perspective behind every service deliverable exists a process of decision making. For the analysis and synthesis of information suitable enough to make a valid decision, information has to flow through a sequence of steps for its verification, validation and authorisation.THE ROUTINE administrative procedures in any panchayat include: (i) Handling the various types of communications in the panchayat; (ii) Recording of the communications in registers including the generation, upkeep and storage of generated files; (iii) Movement of file or any other communication from one -official desk to another; (iv) Verification and queries about the issue that the communication/file deals with; (v) File noting or the observations made on a file by the official; and (vi) Rulebound decision making based on notes, queries, verification, precedents .and discussionThe article tries to ascertain how the reforms based on Information Communication Technology or ICT are improving the tasks involved in procedural decision making. Elements in Decision MakingThe decision making process in any panchayat is made up mainly of two main categories of actions which are the primary core tasks that directly 84 / INDIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION