UN award for India's Mobile Seva

'Mobile Seva', a nationwide initiative conceptualized, funded and implemented by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), is among the second place winners of the 2014 UN Public Service Awards, along with Bahrain, Brazil, Cameroon, Republic of Korea and Spain.

The vision of Mobile Seva is to mainstream mobile governance in India as a new paradigm for e-delivery of public services through mobile devices. It leverages the massive penetration of mobile phones in India to substantially enhance access to electronic services, especially in the rural areas. It benefits the poor, illiterate, disabled, elderly, and the women in accessing e-governance services as access to mobile phones is much higher in these segments of the population as compared to access to the internet.

The main objectives of the initiative are to be a one-stop solution for all mobile-based public service delivery needs through mobile-based channels, including SMS, voice/Integrated Voice Response System and mobile applications, a statement said. UN Awards and Forum celebrate public service initiatives innovating governance for sustainable development and people's well being.

"The annual observance of Public Service Day highlights the invaluable contributions of public servants and administrators in our efforts to build a better world for all," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement. "At a time of complex and interdependent global challenges, effective governance and efficient public administration are central to meeting our development goals. They will also be vital for implementing the post-2015 development agenda," Ban said.