By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Embracing the digital age, the Bihar government is gearing up to make the state assembly paperless before the upcoming budget session. The move aims to streamline operations, save time, and significantly reduce expenses, with crores of rupees expected to be saved annually.
The Bihar Legislative Assembly plans to equip all 243 members with tablets, enabling them to conduct proceedings digitally. Deputy Speaker Narendra Narayan Yadav confirmed the preparations, stating that training sessions will be organised for MLAs unfamiliar with using tablets or computers.
Digital Transition and Training
The National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) will facilitate the transition. Assembly staff have already undergone training in Delhi to spearhead this digital campaign. The Legislative Council in Bihar has been paperless since November 2021, and the assembly is set to follow suit.
Several MLAs welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the benefits of moving with the times. BJP MLA Arun Kumar Sinha called it a “commendable step” in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India campaign. RJD MLA Ramanuj Prasad expressed readiness to adapt, while AIMIM MLA Akhtarul Iman highlighted potential challenges for those unfamiliar with technology.
Benefits of the NeVA Application
Ajit Kumar, an expert working on the NeVA application, explained that the app would provide MLAs with instant access to questions, answers, and the agenda of proceedings. This transparency and accessibility will enhance efficiency and save time. The app supports regional languages, allowing members to view bills, notices, and other documents with ease.
National Progress on NeVA
Bihar joins 18 other states that have signed MoUs to adopt the NeVA system under the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Assemblies in states like Nagaland have already gone fully paperless. The initiative, part of the Digital India programme, aligns with the theme of “One Nation, One Application.”
A Milestone for Bihar
Bihar’s Legislative Council was the first upper house in the country to go paperless in 2021, with its 75 members using tablets for over three years. Now, with 243 assembly members transitioning to the NeVA app, the state is set to achieve another milestone in digital governance.
The paperless assembly will not only save resources but also promote transparency and efficiency, ensuring Bihar keeps pace with the digital revolution.
