BANGALORE: The State Government's major e-governance initiative, `Khajane,' which computerised the Treasury and went online, has been awarded the Silver Icon in the "Outstanding performance in service delivery — professional category" at the ninth National Conference on e-Governance held in Kochi from February 2 to 4.

Every year, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances of the Government of India selects e-governance projects across the country for "Awards for exemplary initiatives in e-governance". This year, there were 187 entries for four categories and two sub-categories.

`Khajane,' introduced three years ago, is the first of its kind in the country and was the culmination of the search for a Treasury Management System. It saw the computerisation of all 216 district and sub-treasuries in the State, linking all the treasuries to a central server through V-SAT.

For the first time a central database has been created of drawing, controlling and chief controlling officers and scheme-wise budget allocations, making tracking of every transaction possible.

Online bill clearance, validations carried out by the system, online budget monitoring and all transactions passing through the central server make `Khajane' a unique, successful working model.

Details of real-time expenditure details, online tax, non-tax and revenue receipts, online fund transfer facility, rural local bodies (zilla and taluk panchayats) fund control, automatic generation of classified monthly accounts, the first in, first out system of bill-clearance and even interactive voice response to track bills and their status have made `Khajane' a unique and acceptable system, a statement said.

Thanks to `Khajane,' systemic deficiencies have been eliminated and speedy disposal of claims has become a reality. Fraud, miscalculation and misappropriation have become minimal; there is better budget monitoring and cash management. Duplication of work in preparation of accounts is a thing of the past and there is greater transparency in transactions.

Pensioners and social security beneficiaries now get better service and there are savings on manpower.

Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has sent a message congratulating the Treasury Department on its achievement. The award was presented on February 2 by Kerala Public Works Minister M.K. Muneer.

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