BIDAR: Karnataka is one of the first States to come out with an IT policy. It also began computerising government departments in 1999. However, a major department such as Public Works is yet to be fully computerised. Even today, PWD engineers in the districts do not use computers to prepare maps or to calculate estimates. This gives room for errors, say contractors and suppliers who work with the department.

"Lack of computerisation leads to different interpretations of the same rule by different officials, causing delays in implementation of projects, errors and cost overruns. The system in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is much better," Changalikappa Biradar, a Bidar-based contractor who works in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh says.

Some officials in the department feel the same.

"Using computers helps save time and makes your job more accurate. It ensures that a standard protocol is followed . Most importantly, it makes access to records and statistics easy," a senior PWD official says.

"With the RTI Act, many people are seeking information. Now we manually search the files and provide the information," he said.

Another official says the department can opt for networking of offices and adopt techniques such as e-tendering and web-based monitoring of projects with computerisation. "Networking will ensure quick and efficient file movement. Now a file takes three months to go from Bidar to the divisional head office in Dharwad and come back," he said.

"Networking also improves communication between officials. The issues related to the tender process will be resolved if e-tendering is adopted," the official says.

Public Works Department Minister H.D. Revanna said all major functions of the head office in Bangalore had been computerised.

But the district offices were not fully computerised and the process would take one or two years.

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