The two-day National Conference on e-Governance Reforms commenced on October 16, 2026, in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, bringing together representatives from Central, State, and UT Governments to deliberate on digital transformation, innovative governance practices, and technology-enabled public service delivery.
The inaugural session featured addresses by key officials including Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary of DARPG (Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances), Government of India; Shri Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh; and Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister emphasized that reforms must ensure beneficiary welfare and that modern technology is key to addressing future challenges, with the state government focusing on providing quality services closer to citizens' homes.
Secretary DARPG highlighted innovative work recognized under National Awards for e-Governance and Prime Minister's Awards, noting the challenge of scaling successful pilot projects into national practices. She acknowledged the guidance of Union Minister of State (PP) Dr. Jitendra Singh and Union Minister for Health Shri J. P. Nadda, both of whom conveyed best wishes for the conference.
The Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh outlined how e-governance enables citizens to access government services at their doorsteps, detailing various state initiatives that reduce procedural hurdles, eliminate barriers, promote equality, and ensure efficient public service delivery.
Day One of the conference showcased five key initiatives of the Himachal Pradesh government: Him Parivar (family welfare), Sukhashraya (social support), Vidya Samiksha Kendra (education monitoring), Green Himachal, and Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna (forest conservation). These presentations demonstrated governance initiatives across health, social justice, education, environment, and forest conservation sectors.
Additional sessions featured award-recognized initiatives utilizing digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, including AgriStack (agriculture), e-Jagriti, AI-enabled Clinical Decision Support System in e-Sanjeevani Telemedicine Service, Multi Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System, iGOT Karmayogi (training platform), eAarogya Dhamni (health payments), District Court Case Management System, ICMR-MINDS (medical research), India Hypertension Control Initiative, and Digi Yatra (airport digital processing).
Day Two of the conference, scheduled for October 17, 2026, will feature sessions on cybersecurity, best e-governance practices, replication of successful models, data analytics, and State-, district-, and grassroots-level initiatives, concluding with a valedictory session. The conference aims to strengthen the exchange of ideas among government institutions and promote effective, innovative, and citizen-centric governance through digital transformation.