e-Corruption

The recent news on the e-government scam-the infamous Nanda family using its
own e-tendering solution-was a big warning bell. This alleged fraud by C1 India,
in association with DGS&D, could be one of the biggest setbacks to all efforts
of streamlining and bringing transparency in government functioning. The scam
should make everybody, including vendors, NGOs, industry watchdogs, and
government officials, sit up, and make sure that the electronic infrastructure
of India is not compromised with.

Just look at the names that were using C1-Indian Railways, NIC, BHEL, GAIL,
ONGC, SAIL, and various state government departments. I believe investment in
e-governance is investment in the nation's infrastructure, which includes roads,
bridges, hospitals, schools, etc.

While India has, over the years, pumped a lot of money into infrastucture, we
all know the state of affairs at present. And anyone can tell you that a big
factor for the sad state of affairs of our infrastructure is the funds being
siphoned off. The last thing we want is to repeat the mistakes we make while
creating infrastructure in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

I am aware of so many similar scams going on in e-governance that I can come
out with a new magazine only to write about them. For instance, we are currently
working on a few reports that directly or indirectly involve not just
e-governance solution vendors but senior level government officials of the rank
of urban development secretaries, municipal commissioners, and collectors.

Our country's electronic infrastructure and processes for governance is a
very critical matter, maybe as significant as the safety and security of the
country and its citizens.

My appeal to all those involved with e-governance, directly or indirectly, is
to keep us informed if they sight any hanky-panky, or believe that e-governance
decisions are being taken on considerations other than merit. We would try our
best to ensure that such cases are brought to the notice of higher authorities,
and action is taken against erring officials.