Why ICT Matters for Government Employees !

Vijay Rajmohan

Lecture to officers of Ministry of Urban Development, GoI

28.01.2016

Why you need to update.. ICT tools have become ubiquitous. If you are not conversant, you are seen as outdated

and not useful for the organisation & you feel outdated among friends, relatives & family.

You gain respect by being ICT savvy. You are seen as outdated, negative minded and being

someone struck in the old world bureaucratic set up. You feel outdated and isolated in work, personal life

if not conversant with latest trends and tools in ICT.

ICT in Government of India Govt of India’s work culture has changed. ICT has become

part of the work culture now. Unlike a few years ago, even Secretaries open emails

regularly and respond. You will feel isolated & out of place if not part of the change.

All Departments are assessing their ICT strategies Social Networks are being tapped in a big way by the

Government of India – formally as well as informally.

Where do I start? Understand the latest trends in ICT Start networking Learn basic tips & tricks of using latest ICT tools. Sit before the system! Don’t depend on private

secretaries & DEOs.

Issues and Challenges Security Issues Net Addiction Addiction for ‘likes’, ‘comments’ & ‘shares’ Privacy Issues Not understanding net etiquettes Unwarranted problems due to hyperactivity. False sense of anonymity

Remember, you’re in Government! Understand issues that crop up in bureaucracy

due to ICT (class of civilizations in bureaucracy – old world bureaucracy & modern one)

Beware of the pitfalls & security issues (handout circulated separately).

Conduct Rules are still applicable!

Be pro-IT but follow a conservative approach. Don’t be paranoid due to the pitfalls & security

issues. Remember that anonymity is a misnomer in net &

you have more responsibilities as a civil servant. Don’t forget conduct rules of Govt. of India, you

need to abide by them even in the virtual world. Go by precedent – this golden rule is more true for

IT. You are not a professional or a teenager. Be careful and tread the trodden path, always.

Some personal advice

Thank You!