AP removes secrecy in making public GOs

Amaravati: TDP-led NDA government has reinstated the practice of uploading government orders (GOs) on the public domain to enhance transparency.

GO Ms. No. 79, issued on August 27, 2024, reverses the previous system introduced by the YSRCP government, effective from August 29. Consequently, two UO notes and GO Ms. No. 100, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) in 2021, have been canceled.

In the latest order, the government stated that after careful examination of the matter, it was decided to restore the GOIR portal for generating GO numbers and uploading them so issued, in the web portal.

“Accordingly, in suppression of the orders issued during the erstwhile government, the GOIR portal will be restored on August 29 for the purpose of generating GO numbers of required series (Ms., Rt. & P) and uploading of government orders, so issued in the GOIR portal,” GAD (Cabinet II) Department pointed out in the new order.

Opposition had raised a hue and cry against the YSRCP government’s decision to keep some GOs confidential calling it a ‘murder of democracy.’ At that time, TDP was in the forefront of protests against the government’s decision.

e-Cabinet system restored

In another notification, the government stated that as per the directions of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the government took the historic decision to implement e-Cabinet - a paperless Council of Ministers meeting. The Council of Ministers meeting was held at the Secretariat in the new format developed by NIC on Wednesday. The e-Cabinet system introduced during the earlier stint was withdrawn by the YSRCP regime.

During 2014-2019 also paperless Cabinet meetings were conducted using another app. This time, a comprehensive app with multiple features end to end workflow is developed with the technical support of NIC, Delhi. The main features of e-Cabinet app include conducting of e-Cabinet with a paperless concept enhancing operational efficiency and aligning with eco-friendly practices, online access of related information, anywhere and anytime basis, authorised, role-based information access to ensure confidentiality, standardisation of formats and procedures and easy to use interface.

It also ensures secure and real-time access to Cabinet documents and discussions, digitisation of records and digital repository of all past meeting information, monitoring and assessing the implementation status of Cabinet decisions effectively and comprehensive data analytics and reporting capabilities.

The app includes robust security features such as encryption, access controls, and audit trails, which will help protect sensitive information from unauthorised access and potential breaches. These systems facilitate better collaboration by allowing multiple users to access, edit, and share documents in real-time, regardless of their location. The app has additional features like conducting virtual Cabinet meetings, integration with e-office, use of artificial intelligence and data analysis.