The Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Mr Surendrajeet Singh Ahluwalia, launched a Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Information Media Server (CIMS) to enhance good governance, earlier this week.
The press statement released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said that the C-DAC Information Media Server is a dedicated computer appliance. It has a specialised application software that provides audio and video on demand for free.
It is a low-cost system, built with a single-board computer and a powerful, energy-efficient multi-core processor. It does not require any special-purpose internet service provider or data connectivity in order to function.
The aim is to spread awareness about the Government’s policies and initiatives to the citizens of India. Mr S.S. Ahluwalia noted several governmental schemes will be made available on all electronic and mobile platforms through the CIMS system.
The CIMS can display text, images and videos, e-brochures, e-references and e-resources are available; to view or download offline.
The Digital India initiative, People’s Money Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana) and the Prime Minister’s scheme to provide loans to non-corporate enterprises- Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana are available on the server.
It supports the Prime Minister’s insurance scheme-Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the pension scheme for the unorganised sector in India- Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
The CIMS also hosts the Housing for All initiative, the Crop Insurance scheme, the Make in India programme, the Clean India Movement and the Skill India Program.
Set up in 1988, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is the main research and development organisation that functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
According to the website, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing works to strengthen national technological capabilities in the context of global developments in the field of IT. It responds to changes in the market in selected foundation areas.
The C-DAC works with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to realise and develop policies, pragmatic interventions and initiatives in the IT sector in the country.
Carrying out high-end research and development, the C-DAC has been at the forefront of the information technology revolution in India. It is constantly building capacities in emerging technologies. It innovates and leverages its expertise, calibre and skill set to develop and deploy IT products and solutions for different sectors of the economy.
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing Director-General, Dr Hemant Darbari said that the CIMS is easy to set up and configure and can be used for a variety of purposes, including at the Parliament and in educational institutions, for e-books, materials, timetables and notices.
The CIMS can be useful for railway operations; train-running information and station layout maps. Hospitals may make use of the server for patient records and doctor’s schedules.
Users will be able to connect via an electronic device with WiFi, and freely access the available information.