PDP MLC gets IT-based management soln for constituency, impressed Drabu next client; open to legislators on self-financing

Sahil Rasgotra. Updated: 12/11/2017 1:03:27 AM Front Page

JAMMU: While its success will be ascertained only after a sizeable amount of time, Peoples Democratic Party MLC Yasir Reshi’s move to get on pilot-basis what is essentially the first IT-enabled governance tool of the country- the Constituency Management System (CMS) for Sonawari, has certainly managed to impress the Minister for Finance Dr Haseeb Drabu, who has shown strong interest in purchasing the Management Solution for his constituency, Rajpora, as well.
On Sunday, the Sonawari constituency saw the unveiling of maiden Constituency Management System, an IT-based tool, developed by one Dr K Gressan, Associate Professor, Department of Local Governance, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute Youth Development with support from Ministry of Youth Affairs, Government of India.
The tool, dubbed as a revolutionary aid for the lawmakers to understand their constituencies well and to accordingly plan for their development, was unveiled by none other than the Finance Minister Dr Haseeb Drabu.
As this scribe contacted Dr K Gressan to know more about it, it came to knowledge that Drabu was so impressed with the software that he has, in-principle, agreed to purchase the same for his constituency as well.
“The finance minister liked it certainly. I am sure, he is our next client,” said Dr Gressan while talking to The News Now.
Gressan also informed that Drabu is open to other legislators purchasing the software-costing around Rs 10 to 15 Lakhs in initial form, if they want, under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
“The finance minister said that he will soon make it viable for other legislators to purchase the same under the CDF,” Dr Gressan informed The News Now.
So what is it about the software that has won Finance Minister’s heart, we asked Dr Gressan.
“The framework of CMS aims at providing a handy tool for legislators to understand their constituencies well and to accordingly plan for their development.
“CMS will capture the needs, concerns, issues of all citizens of the area and also help representatives to understand the potentials and possibilities of the constituency,” he said, adding that of the various features, the most attractive is the focus of leadership upon four major resources- Natural, Physical, Human and Financial.
“Under the CMS, information in the public domain, complemented by the work of officials and volunteers alike will make up for the most comprehensive plan for any legislator to look after his or her constituency,” Dr Gressan said, further divulging that Sonawari was the first constituency across the country to come under this initiative.
Earlier, in the unveiling function, Drabu stressing that a legislative Constituency ought to be made a basic and uniform geographical unit for planning all kinds of development activities, said that the legislators should be empowered to play an active role in decision-making and allocation of funds towards particular activities in their respective constituencies.
“CMS can play an important role in efficient implementation of developmental initiatives and inclusive governance through a participatory approach,” he said, adding that the tool empowers both the legislator and his voters and provides a structured platform for registering grievances, analyzing issues and monitoring the impact of schemes and ensuring positive growth in various socio-economic indicators.
The Finance Minister said it will also help in redressing complaints and can receive suggestions from the people and will ease the work of legislators and help them to pay heed to other developmental works of the area.
The Minister urged the people to adopt innovative methods for improving income and livelihood and actively take part in development process.


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