33 out of 37 State/UT Legislatures sign MoUs for National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)

Why in news

33 out of 37 State/UT Legislatures have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for the implementation of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), with 21 Legislative Houses already transformed into digital Legislatures under the project.

Exam relevance

GS2 · Governance, Polity · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. 33 out of 37 State/UT Legislatures have signed MoUs for NeVA implementation.
2. 21 Legislative Houses have been transformed into digital Legislatures under NeVA.
3. The digitalisation of the two Houses of Parliament is outside the scope of NeVA.
4. NeVA improves legislative functioning through electronic processing of house business.
5. NeVA reduces paper usage, dependence on paper-based procedures, and costs associated with printing, handling, and storage.
6. NeVA facilitates faster processing and dissemination of legislative business.
7. NeVA improves accessibility of legislative information.
8. A mid-term evaluation of NeVA was undertaken by NITI Aayog.
9. The evaluation report noted reduced paper usage and improved legislative workflows.
10. Enhanced coordination among Legislatures and Government Departments has facilitated quicker processing of legislative business.
11. The public portal of NeVA provides real-time access to legislative documents.
12. Capacity-building initiatives, including NeVA Seva Kendras, support platform adoption through technical assistance and training.

Prelims pointers

• National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) aims to digitize legislative functioning.
• NeVA improves efficiency by enabling electronic processing of house business.
• NITI Aayog conducted a mid-term evaluation of the NeVA project.
• NeVA Seva Kendras are established for capacity building and technical assistance.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in enhancing the efficiency and transparency of legislative functioning in India. What are the challenges and way forward for its complete implementation across all State Legislatures?

Static linkage

The National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) is a project aimed at digitizing the legislative process across India. It is part of the broader Digital India initiative, which seeks to transform governance through technology. The implementation of NeVA involves state legislatures, connecting them to a central platform for efficient functioning.

Significance

The widespread adoption of NeVA by state legislatures signifies a move towards greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability in legislative processes. By reducing paper dependency, it contributes to environmental sustainability. The digital platform enhances accessibility of information for both legislators and the public, fostering better engagement and informed decision-making. The mid-term evaluation by NITI Aayog suggests a focus on monitoring and improving the project's effectiveness, indicating a commitment to evidence-based governance.