In the week gone by, Punjab witnessed positive developments in the technology sector with the launch of wireless broadband service and the decision of the government to computerize the vehicle registration process in the state.
Next, the Punjab government is all set to computerize the vehicle registration process by equipping officers with handy computerized devices and outsourcing the registration and licensing work.
On the diplomatic front, the state government is likely to oppose centre’s move to revive the post of Chief Commissioner in the state as it requires a withdrawal of the additional charge given to the Punjab Governor.
Tata Teleservices launches wireless Internet service in Punjab
Telecom service provider, Tata Teleservices, launched its Mobile Broadband Internet Device called Photon Plus in Chandigarh on Oct. 14.
Company’s chief operating officer, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh division, T.P.S. Walia, informed that the wireless service is up to 20 times faster than the existing mobile wireless technology.
The service is compatible with both laptops and desktops. It will facilitate the customers to be connected for mails, large file uploads, photo sharing etc., he added.
"The launch of Tata Photon Plus is an important step in providing customers with high-speed Net access which will enable them to experience super-fast speeds at very affordable prices," he said.
“The awareness and demand for wireless Internet connectivity is increasing rapidly and with laptop and PC sales showing exponential growth, there is a huge demand for wireless high-speed Internet access," he said.
All the business enterprises and individual users can avail the service through the use of routers and USB modem respectively at a price of Rs. 3500.
Punjab's vehicle registration process to be computerized soon
In order to simplify the process of vehicle registration, the Punjab government has taken a major decision to computerize the District Transport Offices (DTOs) along with outsourcing the registration and licensing work.
Under the provision, each designated officer would be provided a handy computerized device which will enable him to issue a spot receipt. This way the information would be stored in a centralized server, thus facilitating the overall operations of the DTO's.
“All the DTOs will be computerized and we will outsource the work of driving licence preparation to a professionally competent body. For this purpose, funds have already been allocated and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) is selected as the implementing agency,” said Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.
“It was brought to our notice that there was inordinate delay in registration of new commercial vehicles. Their owners have to suffer losses despite heavy investment. We are confident that after the computerisation, the applicants will be able to register their vehicles in a single day,” he added.
All the DTO’s will become fully computerized once the provision of wide area network, WAN is operational. It is expected that WAN will be enabled by Dec. 31 this year.
Punjab government to oppose revival of Chief Commissioner’s post
Taking a major policy decision, the union government is considering withdrawing the additional charge given to Punjab Governor as the Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
Reportedly, the centre is contemplating to appoint a Chief Commissioner under its direct control, a system prevalent till mid-1980s before the outbreak of militancy in Punjab.
Under the move, the Chief Commissioner would enjoy complete autonomy. Also, some powers enjoyed by the Governor would be given to one of the Union Ministers of State for Home.
However, Punjab’s Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal's president Sukhbir Singh Badal has shown resentment against this move.
He said that Punjab Government and Shiromani Akali Dal will oppose this move on Nov 16, when the tenure of Punjab’s Governor S F Rodrigues ends.
