Launch of the National Portal of India

More often than not, we make the government our favorite punching bag for its inability to present a user-friendly visage to the public. The launch of its official website marks a genuine attempt by the government to help change that impression.

The Government of India launched its official website last week by announcing it through half page advertisements in all the national newspapers. The website is positioned as the National Portal of India and its objective is to “ provide a single window access to the information and services being provided by the Indian Government for the citizens. An attempt has been made through this Portal to provide comprehensive, accurate, reliable and one stop source of information about India and its various facets. “

I spent some time browsing the site and I must say that not only is the intent behind the government’s move laudable, even its execution has been done very well.

I would describe the site with words/phrases not usually used for the government in any aspect of its functioning : the visual design of the site is ‘aesthetically appealing’, the choice of content is very ‘thoughtful’ and overall, the site is quite ‘user friendly’.

These are the various sections of the portal. And these are a bunch of things that concern every ordinary tax-paying citizen. You can also register on the site to be able to customize the content according to your profile and area of interest. The site also proposes to have occasional live/on-demand webcasts on events of national interest.

All in all, hats off to those in the government who are in charge of this and three cheers!!!