Bhubaneswar: Ashish Kumar Singh, Excise Commissioner, Odisha, and Nihar Ranjan Biswal, Senior Technical Director, NIC, Bhubaneswar, received the 20th Computer Society of India, Special Interest Group on e-Governance Award on behalf of the Excise Department for eAbkari computerisation of State Excise at a special function held at Delhi Technology University on Saturday.
The award was given by an eminent panel of jurists comprising scientists and technocrats of the Computer Society of India. The award has been presented to Excise Department for computerisation and IT initiatives.
It is pertinent to mention that in tune with the 5T initiatives of the Government of Odisha, the Excise Department has switched over to the digital workplace “eAbkari” with technical support of NIC since 2019-20, developing and implementing more than 40 online modules like e-Lottery, instant issue and renewal of Excise Licenses, Brand Label Registrations with 100% online payment, DPR, CCIS, SIR and mobile app development for tracking of raid spots and excise shops etc bringing transparent, hassle-free, real-time, seamless and timely service delivery eliminating physical touch points, reducing discretion and providing faceless service at door steps.
This has led to proper monitoring and strengthening of enforcement activities, curbing of illicit & spurious liquor, timely service delivery at different levels, proper supply chain management with the regulation of production and manufacture and above all, change of public perception and transformation in the department.
In addition, the Excise Department has bagged two more prestigious awards at the national level this year. These awards include:
- Digital India Gold Award for digital initiatives for ease of doing business through eAbkari. Sushil Kumar Lohani, former Principal Secretary to Government, Excise Department, and Ashish Kumar Singh, Excise Commissioner received the award from the President of India on February 7, 2023.
- The Department was honoured with the SKOCH Group Silver Award for the ICT Intervention in the department at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on December 25, 2022.
The use of IT initiatives has led to proper monitoring and strengthening of enforcement activities and transparency in the department.
