Blockchain technology has the potential to revive bureaucracy

Blockchain technology (BCT) is a distributed database that enables secure, transparent and tamper-proof transactions both administrative and financial.

It can be used to improve system bureaucracy by providing a secure and transparent way to track transactions and data. Without it, good governance will remain a distant dream.

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Blockchain means that there is no central authority to control or manage the data – instead, it is spread across a network of computers. It can be accessed by taxpayers. Because each computer has a copy of the entire database, this makes it virtually impossible to tamper with.

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize bureaucracy by making it more efficient and transparent. For example, blockchain can be used to create a digital ledger of public transactions that will be accessible to the public. This will allow citizens to track the flow of files and funds and ensure they are used responsibly.

Our bureaucracy goes back to colonial times when the British introduced a system of control through regulations. The aim was to manage and utilize India’s resources and masses. The British recruited Indians into the bureaucracy, but only those who were more loyal to the throne than the country.

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After independence, the British system continued, despite being criticized for its inefficiency and for serving the interests of political elites.

Many efforts were made to bring reforms into this archaic system, but to no avail. Dr Ishrat Hussain headed commissions, committees and task forces to reform the bureaucracy also failed.

In India, Dehli CM Arvind Kejriwal revolutionized the service delivery system. He introduced the concept of the citizen’s charter, ensuring that citizens received timely services from government officials. He also introduced the concept of Swaraj, which empowered citizens to participate in decision-making processes related to public services. This improved transparency and accountability in the government system, and helped reduce corruption. The citizen engagement teams performed well and brought good governance.

Kejriwal also introduced mohalla sabhas (neighborhood assemblies), where people could voice their opinions and participate in decision-making.

He also introduced the concept of transparency by making all public data open to public scrutiny. It helped reduce corruption as people could see what was happening in their government and hold leaders accountable.

Similarly, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) used this technology to improve the performance and efficiency of the system. Similarly, Georgia used it to improve the security of its cadastral system. China uses it for commercial purposes. Canada and some countries – including Singapore, Estonia and the UAE – are looking at using blockchain technology to improve the system.

Digital and blockchain technology can revolutionize the way bureaucracy works. Currently, when people want to blow the whistle on illegal activities in their workplace, they have to go through a complex and bureaucratic process that is time-consuming and pointless.

With blockchain technology, whistleblowers can create a digital record of their claims. This will allow them to securely submit their claims to a decentralized database. Once the claims are registered, they will be visible to anyone who has access to the database. This will make it easier for whistleblowers to have their claims heard, and also help ensure that these claims are not ignored. Under the system, allegations against public officials will be registered and heard while considering their prosecution.

Bureaucracy does not like blockchain technology as it threatens its existence. This technology eliminates the need for intermediaries, which makes it cheaper and faster for businesses to complete transactions and increases tax collection. It minimizes the overlap of mandates. This can be used to manage organizational structures. It can optimize supply chain management – ​​such as demand patterns, production capacity and transport routes – to identify ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Other areas where BCT can be used include the recruitment process, education, development sector, healthcare, carpooling, etc.

The Planning and Development Board can actively use technology to approve development schemes on the basis of population, tax collection and poverty. Agriculture can use it to grow specific crops for specific areas. The irrigation system can be regulated through this technology to distribute water in canals, while the transport department can control vehicles, forest on trees and environment for pollution control. The health and education sectors can also use this technology to guide students in the scope of practical fields.

The finance department can use this technology to reflect cash flow. The Directorate of Taxation and the police can control crime, the tax and urban development authorities can also use this to streamline land ownership and mutations.

The Right to Information Act 2013 was passed to increase transparency and greater control over the authorities’ activities. But the results are not encouraging.

The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) was created to do the same, but it also failed.

The same reformation can be given to any IT university to design, operate and transfer to government agencies. All files will be replaced with a paperless system. The BCT would right-size it, cutting incentives across the board and linking compensation to officers’ performance.

This can only be done with political will and visionary leadership. The bureaucracy and the corrupt ruling elite will try to take the IT reform package together, as it did to PIDA, PITB and Public Safety Commissions.

Former Director General Dr. Irfan said that without adopting new technology, there is no chance to get rid of this antiquated and ancient colonial system designed to keep people as slaves. “Give authority, fix responsibility and take responsibility for each level.” He said there was no need for an army of officers; BCT would cut overstaffing in half.

Without a system, the country, the economy and the people continue to suffer.

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