Tripura Signs MOU to Enhance Digital Inclusivity
The Government of Tripura has taken a significant step toward enhancing digital inclusivity by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This agreement aims to promote the use of regional languages in governance, enabling citizens to participate more fully in the digital landscape. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, this initiative marks a pivotal moment for the state, emphasizing the importance of language in digital communication.
The Signing Ceremony: A Landmark Event
The MOU was signed during a state-level workshop titled “Bhashini Rajyam,” held at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala. The event was inaugurated by Shri Pranajit Singha Roy, the Hon’ble IT Minister of Tripura. Key figures present included Shri Kiran Gitte, Secretary IT of the Government of Tripura, Shri Amitabh Nag, CEO of DIBD, and Shri Jeya Ragul Geshan B, Director IT of the Government of Tripura. This workshop served as a platform to discuss the vision of Bhashini, which aims to ensure seamless communication and internet accessibility for all citizens in 22 Indian languages. By focusing on voice as a medium, Bhashini seeks to bridge both digital and literacy divides, making technology more accessible to everyone.
The workshop highlighted the software capabilities of Bhashini, including real-time translation, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and voice-to-voice translation between Indian regional languages and English. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) was emphasized for achieving high accuracy in translations. The roles and responsibilities of the state and DIBD in this mission were also discussed, showcasing a collaborative approach to promoting regional languages on digital platforms.
Addressing Language Barriers in Tripura
Many citizens in Tripura face challenges due to language barriers, particularly those in rural and tribal areas. These individuals often struggle with software systems that primarily operate in English or Hindi. The Bhashini initiative aims to address these challenges by integrating with existing systems like the CM Helpline, eVidhan, and Kisan Sahayata App. This integration will enable multilingual communication, making it easier for citizens to access government services.
Moreover, Bhashini can enhance local governance through applications like Amar Sarkar and improve educational outcomes with multilingual technologies. It can also support the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) platform by translating First Information Reports (FIRs) and enabling voice-based data entry. By easing access to the internet in regional languages, Bhashini will significantly reduce the digital divide, allowing more citizens to engage with government services and information.
Tripura’s Commitment to Digital Inclusivity
Tripura has made history by becoming the first northeastern state, the first in eastern India, and the eighth state in India to sign an MOU with Bhashini. This pioneering step underscores the state’s commitment to digital inclusivity and the use of technology for citizen-centric governance. Tripura’s initiative places it among a select group of states that have conducted focused workshops on Bhashini, with only four other states having taken similar steps.
The integration of Bhashini into Tripura’s e-Governance software will provide cost-effective translations and promote inclusive policy implementation. It will also enhance the regional identity of Tripura by recognizing and valuing its linguistic diversity. This MOU marks a crucial step in ensuring the seamless integration of Bhashini with the state’s governance systems, empowering citizens by eliminating language barriers and enabling multilingual access to essential services.
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