STAFF REPORT LHR: The Punjab government is forging ahead with a highly-ambitious plan to diversify the regions economy by facilitating the spread and reach of technology, introduce e-government initiatives, and inculcate a strong element of technological entrepreneurship.
The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) led by CEO Dr. Umar Saif, is at the forefront of efforts by the administration to help citizens gain access to technology as well as to interact with the government in a more transparent and accessible manner. The Punjab E-gateway Project, planned and executed by the PITB, has a clear and defined vision to “develop Punjab as a hub of IT activity and innovation and to utilize IT in order to improve delivery of public services to citizens.”
One of the first things that Punjab government did after assuming office in mid-2013 was to announce the provision of 100,000 laptops free of cost to deserving college and high school students across the province.
The government has the desire to spread ICT services to each and every corner of the province.
The PITB has launched a plethora of e-services for citizens, including eLearn Punjab, Disease Surveillance System, and Health Watch.
By automating government processes, it is believed that there will be a much greater degree of transparency and accountability, thereby helping engineers in using data analytics for better management of public health crises, disaster management, and early warning systems.