MARCH 3: In preparation for the upcoming Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on March 3, 2025, the Commissioner Secretary of the Information Technology (IT) Department, Saurabh Bhagat, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the internet connectivity infrastructure at the Legislative Assembly Complex in Jammu. The review aimed to ensure that all digital systems are in place to support a smooth and efficient legislative session.
During the inspection, Saurabh Bhagat stressed the critical importance of a robust IT framework in facilitating seamless legislative proceedings. He emphasized that reliable internet connectivity is key to ensuring that the Assembly operates without disruptions and that real-time information access is available to legislators, media personnel, and the public. Bhagat directed that the Assembly Hall and all essential rooms, including those designated for media and the general public, be equipped with sufficient Access Points (APs) to guarantee uninterrupted internet access throughout the session.
The Commissioner Secretary’s visit focused on ensuring that digital communication and connectivity systems are optimized for the session’s needs. To further strengthen the infrastructure, Bhagat directed CEO JaKeGA, Rupesh Kumar, and Jaskaran Singh Modi, SIO NIC, to oversee and implement additional measures to ensure uninterrupted internet service during the Budget session. This proactive approach aims to prevent any disruptions and maintain a seamless workflow within the Assembly.
Rupesh Kumar, the CEO of JaKeGA, informed that an additional redundant internet link of 5 Gbps capacity has been provisioned for the Assembly Hall, in addition to the primary 1 Gbps NIC link. This ensures that there is backup connectivity in case of any failure, safeguarding the continuity of the legislative proceedings. Kumar also mentioned that four JaKeGA resource persons, along with service vendors, will be deployed in shifts to ensure continuous monitoring of the internet infrastructure, promptly addressing any potential issues.
Moreover, capacity-building sessions are planned for the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to enhance their digital proficiency. These sessions will be scheduled to ensure that all MLAs are well-equipped to utilize the digital tools available to them during the session.
This comprehensive inspection and proactive preparation by the IT Department highlight the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficient governance. By enhancing digital infrastructure, Jammu and Kashmir is taking significant steps toward establishing a more technology-driven, advanced governance model, which will support smoother legislative operations and foster a more efficient functioning of the Assembly.
