Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 24: In a major step towards digital governance, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday adopted a paperless working system by distributing iPads to all cabinet ministers. The move is aimed at streamlining official communication and reducing paper usage across departments.

Food and Civil Supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that cabinet agendas, notes, and minutes of meetings will now be shared via email, accessible through the provided devices. The shift is part of the government's broader push to implement an e-cabinet system.

The state’s Information Technology Department conducted a detailed briefing session for ministers on how to use the devices efficiently. Each minister was given unique login credentials, including email passwords, to access official documents securely.

“All cabinet presentations, including records of past decisions, will now be available through emails on the iPads,” officials said.

The government sanctioned Rs 1.6 crore for procuring the iPads. However, an earlier attempt to acquire 50 Apple iPads was halted after the supplier failed to ensure immediate availability, drawing criticism from RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar.

Despite the initial hiccups, the government has now moved ahead with its plan to digitise cabinet functioning, marking a significant shift in administrative practices.