Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) recognised 10 websites in the country coinciding with the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) today.
From a total of 135 government and private websites that participated in the national website competition, the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ website was recognised as the top website.
Websites of Tsirang, Wangduephodang, Mongar, Punakha, Bumthang, Zhemgang dzongkhags, Gyalposhing College of Information Technology, Dzongkha Development Commission, and Jigme Namgyel Engineering College were also recognised.
The websites were evaluated to encourage agencies to use their websites as a main channel for sharing information and services, increase utility, ensure that agencies update and enhance their websites.
The websites were evaluated twice within nine months.
This year’s theme of WTISD is Accelerating Digital Transformation in challenging times.
The day is observed with a purpose to “raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the internet and other information and communication technologies can bring to societies and economies, as well as ways to bridge the digital divide.”
According to the press release, MoIC is implementing the Digital Drukyul flagship programme inline with WTISD’s theme, to contribute to accelerating the digital transformation in the country.
It stated that the flagship programme aims to harness the power of ICT to transform Bhutan into a smart and inclusive society. “The program’s objective shall be achieved through focused turnkey initiatives that will radically improve citizens’ satisfaction with public services in the areas of health care, education, business licensing and other critical public services.”
The components of the flagship program are Integrated Citizen Services, e-Patient Information System, Digital School, e-Business, One Digital Identity, Government Initiated Network, and ICT Capacity and Capability.
WTISD is celebrated on May 17 annually. It was first celebrated in 1969.