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Sir,

With regard to the article, ‘Reform potential of e-governance’ by D. Murali, in eWorld dated December 15, I would like to share my insights.

As one who had worked in a State government organisation for some period in 1950, and in a middle-level managerial position in the administration of a central government organisation in the eighties, it is my view that in spite of what the experts in administration and in the tech field say, a total switchover to e-working is neither practical nor desirable. Only certain areas could be chosen for e-governance.

The issues handled in a government office of a middle level or high level are of two types: one, the issues of day-to-day disposal, two, the highly complicated issues of far-reaching importance and subjects that may attract responses from legal, social, economic and other areas, often calling for deep study.

In the State government, files are dealt with by assistants/clerks, decisions taken by hierarchical authorities according to the power delegated to each level and implemented by those meant to do so.

The files in the first category are to be preserved for one year, the second for a decade and the third category permanently.

Technology may find solutions for the preservation of permanent records by appropriate gadgets but in a scenario of fast changing technologies and rapid obsolescence, the preservation on permanent basis may pose problems.

Records dating back to hundreds of years ago need to be preserved both for administrative purposes and historical evidence. They should be easily accessible, free from deterioration and destruction due to lapse of time or other reasons. Quick retrieval must be made possible.

In terms of quantity, though, such records could be huge in number.

I am not saying it is impossible to meet all these requirements but it may need a thorough study.

All in all, the subject needs a deep and comprehensive examination of its many aspects.

T.R.Anandan, Coimbatore

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