In a notable step towards digital innovation, India’s National Informatics Center (NIC), a government agency under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), has launched a new website. This website highlights the government’s progress and commitment to blockchain technology.
Currently, nearly eight million official documents are securely stored on five government-run blockchains.
Broad application of blockchain within government services
The NIC has revealed that 7.93 million documents, ranging from education and property deeds to justice and pharmaceutical logistics, are currently managed via blockchain technology. This illustrates the broad application of this technology within government services.
India’s approach to blockchain development is focused on three main platforms: Hyperledger Fabric, Hyperledger Sawtooth and Ethereum. The five specific blockchain products operating in India include systems for certification, document management, drug logistics, jurisdiction and property registration.
The documents in question come from six different states and three ministries, including the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the Ministry of Justice. This diversity in sources highlights the extensive adoption of blockchain within the Indian government.
Adoption of Blockchain
The adoption of blockchain technology has made it possible for various departments to offer services for verification of real estate ownership, birth and death certificates, a supply chain management system for medicines, and educational certificates. In addition, India is exploring the possibility of blockchain for land records, blood banks, goods and services tax (GST) recovery, and a public distribution system (PDS).
A significant development occurred when Hindustan Petroleum, one of India’s largest oil and gas companies, partnered with blockchain software company Zupple Labs to integrate blockchain technology into their purchase order system.
The driving force behind this embrace of blockchain is India’s drive to tackle the long-standing problem of document forgery. Blockchain provides a secure method for issuing digitally verifiable and immutable certificates that are protected against tampering.
While India remains reluctant to fully legalize cryptocurrencies, it has welcomed blockchain technology with open arms. State and local governments are playing a crucial role in promoting blockchain adoption across the country, indicating a promising future for digital innovation within the Indian government.
Source: https://newsbit.nl/india-pioniert-met-blockchain-voor-overheidsdocumentatie/
