eGovWatch: How government bodies can send an alert message to the public

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Efficient dispatch of information or alert messages to public is becoming important. Reaching out to the grass root level in no time is a vital aspect that could make government services accessible to public and vice versa.

Although, connectivity is not considered as a problem in a progressing country such as India, the choice of technology in reaching out the masses is rather a tough question. An efficient SMS technology could create an effective impact in the national scenario where more than 900 million of the populace is connected via mobile connectivity. Public information system would have a major boost using this technology as SMS could be sent to people anytime and anywhere, as long as they are connected to the network.

This process does not even need smart phones at user’s end, since SMS can be accessed via simple handsets. On the other hand, 160 character text messages can be dispatched via internet quickly. In 2013, SMS was recognized as an official document by the central government.

SMS services leverage some major advantages. Apart from improving communication and speed, it also cuts down waste of resources. Mobile governance is gaining grounds in present times due to such advantages. These services can help extensively in emergency management, political campaigns, and employment news, banking services, diplomacy, transportation and public health.

Message about early prediction of natural calamities could be dispatched within no time via SMS. While in political campaigns, voters can be informed about venues, or for sharing election manifestos. SMS can be adopted by the Taxation department to alert every citizen about various taxes. Ongoing plans are to send property bills via mobile SMS.

Information about municipal tasks, immigration alerts, vehicle registration and so on could be efficiently delivered to masses via mobile SMS. The traffic police department could issue paper less tickets and bills that will eradicate the need of papers. In transportation they could be employed to inform about delays or changes in schedules. In education sector, SMS services can be employed to send alerts to students regarding exams. Also, messages regarding power failures or water cuts could be sent within no time. SMS can be used while registration in any government websites. These services would help to improve better communication as well as connectivity.

By Aniketh Jain, CEO, Solutions Infini Technologies

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