Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

In the pursuit of creating a robust communication network, the Government of Himachal Pradesh has initiated the Himachal Pradesh State Wide Area Network (HIMSWAN). This visionary project aims to revolutionize communication infrastructure across the state, fostering efficient interactions in various government domains. Let's delve into the key aspects of HIMSWAN and understand how it is poised to reshape connectivity in the region.

HIMSWAN

Launched on 5th February 2008, Himachal Pradesh set a milestone by becoming the first state in India to establish a State Wide Area Network (SWAN) under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). This visionary initiative aimed to create a seamless Citizen-Government interface, leveraging a dedicated high-speed line that intricately connects every administrative level—from sub-divisions and tehsils to sub-tehsils, blocks, and even panchayats.

Hewlett Packard India Sales Pvt. Ltd. has been awarded the contract to establish the network and operate the same for a period of five years i.e. up to May 25, 2013.

The Operational Landscape

HIMSWAN, in operation since its inception, has transformed the governance landscape in Himachal Pradesh. The network serves as a dynamic and interactive platform, offering real-time information from key departments such as Rural Development, Excise & Taxation, Police, and more. The objective is clear: to streamline processes, save time, and foster transparency for more effective governance.

Extensive Connectivity

As a testament to its reach, HIMSWAN has successfully connected 2314 government offices, Boards, and Corporations. This robust network extends its services further by utilizing SIM-based Dongles through Private Access Point Name (APN) services provided by Telecom Operators. Remarkably, Himachal Pradesh stands out as the pioneer in the nation for delivering triple play services via SWAN using SIM-based Dongles from Telecom Service Providers.

The groundbreaking initiative of integrating HIMSWAN with SIM-based Dongles has not gone unnoticed. The project received the prestigious Express Computer IT Excellence Award during the Infocomm India 2019 summit. This acknowledgment highlights the state's commitment to innovation and excellence in the realm of e-Governance.

Empowering Interfaces: G2C, G2E, G2B, and G2G

HIMSWAN stands as a testament to the commitment of the Himachal Pradesh government to enhance connectivity on multiple fronts. The network is strategically designed to facilitate seamless communication through four essential interfaces:

1. Government to Citizen (G2C) Interface

Ensuring that government services reach citizens effortlessly, HIMSWAN establishes a reliable channel for G2C interactions. This not only enhances service accessibility but also contributes to citizen-centric governance.

2. Government to Employees (G2E) Interface

Within the bureaucratic framework, HIMSWAN plays a crucial role in optimizing communication between government offices and employees. The network serves as a backbone for efficient internal operations, fostering a streamlined workflow.

3. Government to Business (G2B) Interface

Recognizing the significance of public-private collaborations, HIMSWAN facilitates smooth communication between the government and businesses. This enhances the ease of doing business and promotes economic growth in the state.

4. Government to Government (G2G) Interface

Inter-departmental coordination is a cornerstone of effective governance. HIMSWAN strengthens G2G interfaces, promoting collaboration and information exchange between different government entities. 

Project Scope: From Offices to Panchayats

HIMSWAN is designed to be expandable in the future, both vertically (down to the Panchayat/Village level) and horizontally (covering all offices/locations within the same area).

1. Vertical Expansion: Down to the Panchayat/Village Level

HIMSWAN is not merely confined to urban centers; it envisions a comprehensive reach down to the grassroots level. The vertical expansion aims to establish connectivity even in the remotest Panchayats and Villages, ensuring that the benefits of modern communication are accessible to all.

2. Horizontal Expansion: Connecting All Offices and Locations

Expanding horizontally, HIMSWAN seeks to interlink all government offices and locations within the same geographic area. This inclusive approach enhances collaboration, data sharing, and overall efficiency in administrative processes.

HIMSWAN-I (First Phase)

• The first phase involved the establishment of a Local Area Network (LAN) in the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat.
• The LAN has 600 nodes with a target criterion of at least 1 PC for every 3 officials.
• Cost incurred during the first phase: Rs. 1.55 crores.
• The network facilitates sharing resources, data, and efficient communication within the Secretariat.
• It is connected to the Internet, promoting energy and resource savings.

HIMSWAN-II (Second Phase)

• The second phase proposal has been approved by the Ministry of IT, Govt. of India.
• A budget of Rs. 50 crores has been sanctioned, with the first instalment of Rs. 10 crores released.
• The project aims to link government offices at various levels for immediate data availability, queries, and reports.
• The primary focus of HIMSWAN-II is to extend the network connectivity to government offices at different administrative levels, including State, District, Sub-Divisional, Tehsil, and Block headquarters.
• The overarching goal is to ensure immediate data availability for queries and reports, thereby streamlining communication and information-sharing among various government entities.

Role of State Government and IT Department

The Department of IT in Himachal Pradesh has designated the Society for Promotion of IT and e-Governance (SITEG) as the implementing agency. The State Government, through SITEG, will facilitate the project implementation and provide horizontal connectivity to various Government Departments. Additionally, the State will offer sites for HIMSWAN Points of Presence (PoPs) and identify applications to be deployed over SWAN. Government of India will release funds to SITEG for the entire project (as per MIT guidelines) for a period of five years.

Benefits of HIMSWAN

1. Accessibility: Makes government departments easily approachable to the masses by offering speedy and efficacious public services.

2. Internet and E-mail Facilities: Provides Internet and E-mail facilities, as well as links to various departmental websites using HIMSWAN. Enables better dissemination of information through a web portal and online status tracking of applications.

3. Reduced Response Time: Results in a reduction in response time for addressing grievances by the concerned departments.

4. Information Updates: Offers updated and latest information regarding the public distribution system, list of beneficiaries under different programs, and details about government grants given to PRIs and urban local bodies.

5. Farmer and Villager Facilities: Provides facilities to farmers and villagers, allowing them to make queries about the latest techniques, seek advice for their problems, and obtain information on new technologies. Experts in fields such as agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, health, and fisheries are accessible through the network.

6. Key Applications Envisaged: Various key applications on the network include E-mail, file transfer, broadcast and data communication, intranets, electronic data interchange services, value-added networks, government communication, call centers, information kiosks, data warehousing, disaster management, maintenance of the wide-area network itself, and more extensive video and teleconferencing facilities.

In conclusion, HIMSWAN stands as a testament to Himachal Pradesh's commitment to revolutionizing governance through advanced technology. The network's extensive connectivity and recognition in the industry underscore its significance in fostering efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric governance processes.