TCS Bags INR 122.6 Crore Odisha Government Contract for AI-Enabled Governance Platform
TCS has bagged a Rs 122.6 crore contract to construct an AI-enabled governance platform for the Odisha government, called OSWAS 3.0. TCS DigiBOLT will include workflow automation, analytics, security and digital services as part of the six-year project.
In a bid valued at INR 122.6 crore, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was chosen to execute the next stage of the Odisha State Workflow Automation System (OSWAS 3.0), according to an announcement made on 8 September. Therefore, TCS' partnership with the Government of Odisha will be extended by approximately six years.
The governance platform will integrate analytics, security, workflow automation, and integration on a shared digital basis, powered by TCS DigiBOLTTM. With the support of OSWAS, Odisha was able to transition from a paper-based to a digital procedure that is both more transparent and efficient. Government officials are finding that OSWAS improves their efficiency by facilitating digital file movement, electronic approvals, real-time tracking, and better access to information.
OSWAS Now Backbone of Odisha’s Government
According to Vishal Kumar Dev, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, E&IT Department, Government of Odisha, and Chairman of the Odisha Computer Application Center (OCAC), OSWAS has developed into the digital backbone of the Government of Odisha. Government throughout the state can now function without paper thanks to this system. Expanding upon this base, OCAC is revolutionising the upcoming wave of digital governance with the help of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and OSWAS 3.0.
Additionally, he mentioned that the new platform will streamline administration by making everyday chores easier and faster, and it will allow for informed decision-making from any location. Since 2009, OSWAS has shifted to a digital system that is more open and efficient, doing away with paper filing and manual follow-ups. Nearly 50,000 users across the state and over 4,600 government entities utilise the system.
According to Sushil Jain, Head of Public Services India, TCS, Odisha has been one of the first states to use technology to improve the openness and efficiency of government. With a more secure, scalable, and mobile-first platform, OSWAS 3.0 will expand upon this solid digital groundwork. It will allow for a more connected and responsive administration statewide, increase transparency and accountability, and speed up official operations.
Paperless Journey of Odisha
The Odisha Secretariat started digitising file processing and official correspondence in 2009 with the introduction of OSWAS 1.0 by TCS. Hence, marking the beginning of Odisha's journey toward paperless government. Updated technology, improved infrastructure, and a broader distribution to more directorates, districts, and corporations were all features of OSWAS 2.0 in 2018.
As a result, the platform's utilisation is expanded throughout the state administration. The most recent version, OSWAS 3.0, will bring a platform that is up-to-date, secure, and scalable. It is built on microservices architecture and has features that are supported by AI. Enabling support for the Odia language and interfacing with government services will improve accessibility and usefulness.
