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GS Paper: GS2-15.Transaparency and accountability (institutional and other measures); Citizens Charter, E-Governance (applications, models, successes, limitations, potential)

  • UMEED Portal for Waqf Properties

    Why in the News?

    Union Minister for Minority Affairs has launched the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal—a centralised digital platform to manage Waqf properties across India.

    Tap to read more about the Waqf and the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

    About the UMEED Portal

    • Launch: It was launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs on June 6, 2025.
    • Core Purpose: It ensures real-time registration, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties across India.
    • Legal Alignment: The portal is aligned with the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which received presidential assent in April 2025.
    • Governance Shift: UMEED aims to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation by making Waqf data digitally traceable.

    Key Features:

    • Centralized Registration: All Waqf properties must be registered on a single digital platform.
    • Documentation: Each property receives a 17-digit ID and must include ownership papers, exact measurements, and geotagged location data.
    • User-Friendly Design: Features include dropdown-based input, GIS mapping, and a grievance redressal system.
    • 3-Tier Verification:
      • Maker: Mutawalli enters the property data.
      • Checker: District official verifies the entry.
      • Approver: CEO or authorised Waqf Board officer grants approval.
    • Transparency and Privacy: Public access to basic property details is allowed, while data privacy is ensured.
    • Eligibility Rule: Properties registered in women’s names are not eligible as Waqf properties, though women and vulnerable groups remain priority beneficiaries.
    • Support System: A toll-free helpline is available for technical assistance.

    Registration Process:

    • Responsible Authority: State Waqf Boards are in charge of registering properties.
    • Deadline: All registrations must be completed within 6 months of the portal’s launch.
    • Required Data: Includes property size, ownership documents, geotagging, and whether the land is government-owned.
    • Extension Policy: A 1–2 month extension may be granted upon valid request.
    • Non-Compliance: Unregistered properties will be marked as “disputed” and referred to the Waqf Tribunal.
    • Missing Documents: In such cases, the mutawalli must approach the Tribunal for validation.

  • India to showcase SVAMITVA Scheme at World Bank Land Conference

    Why in the News?

    India’s SVAMITVA Scheme will be showcased at the World Bank Land Conference, highlighting its role in land governance reform, climate action, and rural empowerment.

    About SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas):

    • Launched on 24th April 2020 by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the SVAMITVA Scheme aims to provide legal ownership of residential properties in rural areas using drone and geospatial technology.
    • It is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Centre.
    • It involves the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Revenue Departments at the state level, and the Survey of India as the technical partner.
    • The scheme issues property cards to rural households, reducing land disputes and enhancing financial inclusion.
    • These cards serve as legally valid ownership documents (e.g., Gharauni in Uttar Pradesh, Adhikar Abhilekh in Madhya Pradesh), and the scheme aims to formalize property rights in rural India.

    Key Features:

    • Drone-based technology ensures high-resolution mapping of village areas for transparency and accuracy.
    • Uses Continuous Operating Reference System (CORS) to achieve mapping precision up to 5 cm.
    • The Gram Manchitra platform helps in village-level development planning, disaster risk mitigation, and infrastructure management.
    • Aims to unlock land value estimated at USD 1.162 trillion, formalizing property ownership and enabling its use as a financial asset.
    • Promotes collaboration between central and state governments and aims to reduce litigation and improve rural governance.
    [UPSC 2024] With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements:

    1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.

    2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised.

    3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3*

     

  • National Consumer Helpline (NCH) witnesses growth in NE-States

    Why in the News?

    The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has seen a 300% rise in complaints in Arunachal Pradesh, reflecting increased awareness and trust in consumer grievance redressal.

    What is National Consumer Helpline (NCH)?

    • NCH is an initiative of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution to provide a nationwide grievance redressal system for consumers.
    • It offers advice, guidance, and assistance to consumers facing issues with products, services, and unfair trade practices.
    • Key Features of NCH:
      • Toll-Free Consumer Helpline: 1800-11-4000 / 1915 (Available from 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, except national holidays).
      • Multi-Channel Complaint Registration: Website, mobile app, email, WhatsApp, and SMS-based complaint filing.
      • Covers a Wide Range of Sectors: E-commerce, telecom, banking, insurance, transport, healthcare, digital payments, etc.
      • Operated under: The Centre for Consumer Studies at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).

    How has the NCH succeeded in Northeast India?

    • Complaints rose from 9,162 in 2020 to 36,609 in 2024, with Arunachal Pradesh seeing a 50-fold rise in consumer grievances.
    • 517% increase in online complaint registrations; introduction of regional language assistance to enhance accessibility.
    • Workshops, SHG partnerships, and NGO collaborations helped rural and tribal communities understand consumer rights.
    • “Jago Grahak Jago” initiatives, grants to NE states, and Panchayat training programs increased consumer participation.
    • Consumers experienced faster redressal in cases like e-commerce refunds, delayed product deliveries, and service-related issues.

    PYQ:

    [2012] With reference to consumers rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.

    2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.

    3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • [pib] Project NAKSHA

    Why in the News?

    Union Minister of Rural Development has inaugurated the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs).

    What is Project NAKSHA?

    • It is an AI-driven urban land survey and digitization initiative launched by the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development.
    • Announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, the project aims to modernize urban land records through geospatial mapping, drone technology, and AI.
    • Launched in February 2025, the initiative will digitize and update land records in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs) in its pilot phase.
    • Survey of India is the technical partner, conducting aerial mapping and high-resolution imaging to create accurate, tamper-proof property records.
    • The Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation (MPSEDC) is developing an end-to-end web-GIS platform.
      • National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) will provide storage and data security.
      • The Survey of India will provide orthorectified imagery for accurate mapping.
    • Project NAKSHA builds on:
    1. Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) for digitizing rural land records.
    2. SVAMITVA Scheme, using drone technology to map village properties.
    • Budgetary Provisions:
      • Pilot phase funding: ₹194 crore, fully financed by the Government of India.
      • Overall Phase 1 budget: ₹5,000 crore for nationwide expansion.

    Aims and Objectives of Project NAKSHA:

    • Standardizing urban property ownership details to eliminate land disputes.
    • Ensuring fraud-proof, legally valid land documentation.
    • Drone surveys and satellite imagery for precision mapping.
    • Detecting encroachments, illegal constructions, and land use changes.
    • Providing spatial data for urban expansion and infrastructure projects.
    • Digital land records enable seamless property transactions and ownership transfers.

    Features and Provisions:

    • 150+ cities covered in the first year, with full urban coverage in five years.
    • AI-enabled classification to identify disputed, encroached, or illegal land parcels.
    • Web-GIS Platform for Land Record Management to be developed by MPSEDC, ensuring real-time data access and updates.
    • States and UTs to conduct field surveys and ground verification.

    PYQ:

    [2019] With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?

    (a) The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.

    (b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.

    (c) It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.

    (d) Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.

     

  • [pib] E-Shram Microsites & Occupational Shortage Index (OSI)

    Why in the News?

    Union Minister for Labour & Employment has launched State and Union Territory Microsites under the e-Shram initiative and the Occupational Shortage Index (OSI).

    About E-Shram Microsites

    • E-Shram Microsites are state-specific digital platforms integrated with the national e-Shram database.
    • It is aimed at providing unorganised workers seamless access to both Central and State government welfare programs.
    • These platforms ensure real-time integration between State portals and the e-Shram database, allowing simplified registration of unorganised workers.

    Key benefits includes:

    (1) For Workers:

    • One-stop access to employment opportunities, skilling programs, and social security benefits.
    • Multilingual accessibility, ensuring workers from different regions can navigate the platform in their preferred language.
    • Two-way integration with the e-Shram database, allowing workers to receive real-time updates on welfare schemes and job opportunities.

    (2) For States/UTs:

    • Cost-effective digital infrastructure, reducing the need for separate State-level portals.
    • Real-time analytics dashboards for better policy decision-making and customized tools for specific labour market requirements.

    What is Occupational Shortage Index (OSI)?

    • The OSI is a data-driven tool designed to identify job roles and industries facing labour shortages, improving workforce planning and employment outcomes.
    • It is based on ILO methodology and quarterly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, ensuring an accurate and updated analysis of the job market.
    • It comprise of following 4 sub-indicators:
    1. Hourly Wage Growth
    2. Employment Growth
    3. Growth in Hours Worked
    4. Share of Under-qualified Workers
    • High OSI indicates Shortage/higher demand of workers within a particular occupation, which may result in higher wages, more job opportunities.
    • Low OSI indicates Surplus/less demand of workers, which may lead to lower wages, fewer job opportunities, and increased competition for available positions.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.

  • [pib] Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building (IGICB) Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has introduced the Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme, aiming to enhance awareness and develop expertise in Internet Governance (IG) among Indian citizens.

    About Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building (IGICB) Scheme: 

    Details
    About the Scheme
    • Launched by National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under MeitY.
    • Aims to build expertise in Internet Governance (IG) and enable global participation.

    Aims and Objectives:

    • Develop Expertise: Build Indian talent in Internet Governance.
    • Enhance Global Participation: Collaborate with organisations like ICANN, ISOC, and IETF.
    • Promote Digital Inclusivity: Ensure India’s representation in global forums.
    • Foster Leadership: Shape future tech policy leaders.
    Structural Mandate
    • Tracks: Six-month and three-month internship programs.
    • Mentorship: Guided by experts from ICANN, APNIC, and academic advisors.
    • Support Mechanism: Stipend of ₹20,000/month and support for outreach programs.
    • Online Portal: Applications via NIXI Scheme Portal, with biometric verification.
    Features of the Scheme
    • Global Exposure: Collaboration with leading organisations like ICANN, ISOC, and IEEE.
    • Capacity Building: Focus on cybersecurity, Internet Governance, and digital policy.
    • Mentorship: Hands-on guidance by seasoned professionals.
    • Youth Engagement: Attracts young talent passionate about Internet Governance.
    • Policy Impact: Strengthens India’s voice in global Internet Governance forums.

     

    What is National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)?

    • Establishment: Founded on June 19, 2003, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
    • Purpose: A not-for-profit organisation facilitating increased internet penetration and adoption across India.
    • Key Services:
    1. Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Builds infrastructure for internet exchange points.
    2. .IN Registry: Promotes .in domain digital identity.
    3. IRINN: Facilitates adoption of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.

  • Report on AI governance guidelines development

    Why in the News?

    A government panel has recommended forming an inter-ministerial committee to enforce AI rules and ensure effective governance of India’s growing AI ecosystem under India’s AI Mission.

    • The Government of India has allocated ₹10,372 crore for the recently launched IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

    What are the key issues highlighted by the Report?

    • Need for Coordinated Governance: The report emphasizes the necessity of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach for effective AI governance in India. It highlights that fragmentation in AI oversight across ministries may lead to inefficiencies and gaps.
    • Importance of Multi-disciplinary Expertise: The report underscores the importance of pooling together expertise from various departments, regulators, and stakeholders to manage AI’s evolving ecosystem. It suggests setting up a technical secretariat within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to facilitate this process.
    • Life Cycle and Ecosystem View: The report stresses the need for a life cycle approach to AI governance, addressing risks at different stages—development, deployment, and diffusion of AI systems. It advocates for an “ecosystem view” that considers various AI actors, including data providers, developers, and end users, for a holistic approach.
    • Light Regulatory Framework: The report advocates for a lightweight regulatory framework rather than a “command and control” approach. It proposes a tech-enabled digital governance system to gradually scale regulatory control, thus encouraging innovation while ensuring safety and accountability.
    • Sector-Specific Risks: It acknowledges that different sectors, such as health and banking, pose specific risks with AI systems. As such, a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach might not be effective in these areas.
    • Existing Laws for Specific Issues: The report refers to existing legal frameworks to address emerging issues like deepfakes and cybersecurity, reiterating that these concerns can be handled under current laws.

    What are the 8 Principles?

    • Transparency: AI systems must provide meaningful information about their development and capabilities, ensuring that stakeholders understand how they function.
    • Accountability: Developers and deployers of AI systems should be held accountable for their impacts, with clear organizational structures to identify responsible parties.
    • Safety, Reliability, and Robustness: AI systems should be designed to be safe and reliable, with safeguards in place to ensure they function as intended.
    • Privacy and Security: Protect user data privacy and ensure security measures are implemented to safeguard against unauthorized access.
    • Fairness and Non-Discrimination: AI systems must operate without bias, ensuring equitable treatment across different demographic groups.
    • Human-Centered Values: AI should align with human values, promoting positive outcomes for individuals and society while minimizing harm.
    • Inclusive Innovation: Encourage innovation that equitably distributes benefits across society, ensuring that advancements in AI do not exacerbate existing inequalities.
    • Digital Governance: Leverage digital technologies to operationalize governance principles effectively, facilitating compliance and oversight.

    What are the key recommendations?  (Way forward)

    • Establishment of an Inter-Ministerial AI Coordination Committee: This committee should serve as a permanent body to coordinate AI governance efforts across various national authorities and institutions, ensuring a unified approach to policy and regulation.
    • Creation of a Technical Secretariat: The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) should establish a technical secretariat to act as a focal point for coordination, providing technical advisory support and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders.
    • Development of an AI Incident Database: A central repository should be created to document real-world issues related to AI, such as discriminatory outputs and privacy violations, to inform risk assessments and harm mitigation strategies.
    • Promotion of Voluntary Transparency Commitments: The Technical Secretariat should engage with industry stakeholders to encourage voluntary commitments on transparency and best practices across the AI ecosystem.
    • Exploration of Technological Solutions: The committee should investigate the use of techno-legal measures, such as watermarking and content provenance, to address challenges like deepfakes and ensure accountability in AI systems.

  • Enhancing governance the digital way

    Why in the News?

    Recently, India has started a big effort to move towards digital governance which aims to make services better for citizens and improve the skills of government workers.

    What are the key challenges facing the implementation of digital governance in India?

    • Resistance to Change: Some segments of the government workforce are hesitant to adopt new technologies, leading to slow adaptation within bureaucratic structures. This resistance can hinder the overall effectiveness of digital initiatives.
    • Digital Divide: There is a significant disparity in internet access and digital literacy between urban and rural areas. Many rural employees lack the necessary infrastructure and skills to engage with digital platforms, potentially leaving them behind in the digital transformation process.
    • Incentive Structures: Current initiatives, such as the iGOT Karmayogi platform, risk becoming mere attendance trackers without meaningful outcomes. The lack of incentives for employees to apply new skills can undermine the effectiveness of training programs.
    • Cybersecurity Risks: As government operations increasingly move online, the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks escalates. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is essential to protect sensitive information and build trust in digital governance.
    • Need for Continuous Learning: The rapid evolution of technology necessitates ongoing training and upskilling opportunities for government employees to keep pace with new tools and platforms.

    How can technology be leveraged to improve public service delivery and citizen engagement?

    • Streamlined Workflows: Initiatives like e-Office digitize workflows, reducing reliance on paperwork and enhancing operational efficiency, which leads to faster service delivery.
    • Enhanced Communication: Digital platforms facilitate real-time communication between government officials and citizens, improving transparency and responsiveness to public needs.
    • Data-Driven Decision Making: Technologies such as data analytics enable informed decision-making by providing insights into citizen needs and service effectiveness.
    • Citizen-Centric Platforms: Tools like MyGov allow for direct interaction between citizens and the government, fostering greater engagement and participation in governance processes.
    • Online Procurement Systems: Platforms like the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) streamline procurement processes, making them more transparent and efficient.

    What role does collaboration play in successful digital governance?

    • Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Effective digital governance requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, community leaders, and citizens, to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered.
    • Capacity Building: Collaborative efforts in training and capacity building can help equip government employees with the necessary skills to navigate digital tools effectively.
    • Sharing Best Practices: Partnerships with private sector entities can facilitate knowledge sharing and the adoption of innovative solutions that enhance public service delivery.
    • Policy Development: Collaborative frameworks can aid in developing policies that address challenges such as the digital divide and cybersecurity threats, ensuring a comprehensive approach to digital governance.
    • Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels for citizen feedback enhances accountability and allows for continuous improvement in digital governance initiatives.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Digital Infrastructure and Training: Invest in improving digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and provide continuous, targeted training to government employees to bridge the skill gap and ensure effective use of technology.
    • Enhancing Collaboration and Incentives: Foster stronger collaboration between government, private sector, and communities while creating incentive structures that encourage employees to apply newly acquired skills, ensuring the tangible impact of digital governance initiatives.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • State-level DPI Adoption Index

    Why in the news?

    The World Bank, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY), is spearheading the development of a state-level Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) adoption index.

    About State-Level DPI Adoption Index

    • World Bank confirmed that the project was in its preparatory stages.
    • The envisioned state-level DPI index aims to identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening the DPI for the digital economy, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering public-private innovation.
    • The index will assess different states based on their adoption levels of DPIs, intending to incentivize increased utilization of these digital systems.

    What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

    • DPI refers to the foundational digital infrastructure that enables the delivery of digital services and facilitates digital interactions between citizens, businesses, and governments.
    • It encompasses various technological components, policies, and frameworks aimed at enhancing digital connectivity, accessibility, and efficiency in public service delivery.
    DPI, as defined by the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (September 2023) “is a set of shared digital systems that are secure and interoperable, built on open technologies, to deliver equitable access to public and/or private services at a societal scale”.

    Three Pillars of DPI:

    • DPI primarily focuses on three key pillars: identity, payments, and data management.
    • India has pioneered the development of all three DPI pillars through its India Stack Platform, setting a global benchmark.
      1. Identity: Aadhar serves as India’s digital ID system.
      2. Payment: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) facilitates real-time fast payments.
      3. Data Management: The Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) ensures consent-based data sharing.

    India’s Initiatives Leveraging DPI

    • Digital India: Initiatives like Digital Locker, e-sign framework, and the National Scholarship Portal are integral parts of the Digital India campaign.
    • BharatNet: This project aims to provide affordable internet connectivity to rural India, leveraging high-speed broadband networks.
    • National Health Stack: Designed to revolutionize healthcare, this infrastructure facilitates health data exchange and interoperability.
    • National Knowledge Network (NKN): Facilitating collaborative research and innovation, NKN promotes knowledge sharing.
    • UMANG: The Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance offers access to various government services and schemes.
    • Government e-Marketplace (GeM): An online platform streamlining procurement processes for government agencies.

  • Workers, not tech, should be state’s priority

    Why in the news? 

    The Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) has attracted significant attention, mainly because of the many difficulties it encounters

    What is Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS)?

    • The Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) is a unique payment system that utilizes the Aadhaar number as a central key for electronically channelizing government payments

    Aim of ABPS

    • Objective: Provide socio-economically deprived households with work security facilitated by digital technology.
    • Rooted in ideals: Inclusion in the development process, mitigation of inequality and socioeconomic distress.
    • Recognition: Internationally recognized, such as by the United Nations Development Programme, for contributing to a productive, equitable, and connected society.

    Key challenges related to The Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS):

    • Internet Connectivity Issues: Accessibility to stable internet connections in rural areas poses a challenge for implementing the ABPS effectively.
    • Fingerprint Recognition Problems: The ABPS relies on fingerprint recognition for authentication, but issues with fingerprint recognition can hinder the smooth functioning of the system.
    • Difficulties Faced by the Disabled: The system may not be accommodating to individuals with disabilities, leading to exclusion or difficulties in accessing benefits.
    • Unrecorded Working Days: There are instances where the system fails to record the days of work performed by individuals, leading to discrepancies in payment.
    • Name Duplication: Duplicate entries in the system can lead to confusion and errors in identifying beneficiaries and processing payments.
    • Lack of Awareness: Insufficient awareness among beneficiaries about the ABPS and its processes can result in underutilization or misuse of the system.
    • Errors in Linking and Authentication: Issues may arise during the linking of Aadhaar details with the payment system, leading to authentication errors and payment delays.

    Potential of (ABPS) technology 

    • Progressive Principles: Technology has the potential to serve progressive principles globally and historically, contributing to the advancement of societies.
    • Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Technological interventions can play a crucial role in achieving the SDGs, with rural employment guarantee schemes in India serving as effective pathways towards several SDGs, both directly and indirectly.
    • Effective Utilization of Budgetary Allocation: The substantial budgetary allocation to schemes like MGNREGS should be channeled through a technologically sound system to ensure efficient utilization of funds.

    Conclusion

    The Aadhaar-Based Payment System faces numerous challenges, highlighting the need for prioritizing workers over technology. While technology holds potential, its alignment with socio-economic goals must ensure inclusivity, efficiency, and effective utilization of resources.

    Practice Question for mains 

    Q  Examine the objectives, challenges, and potential of the Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) in India. (150 words )