Digital India Week: Hackathon, Digital  Skill Development Workshop on AI tools, Training on E-office & GeM marks Day-3 at Kishtwar

KISHTWAR, September 02: The third day of the Digital India Week 2023 celebrations in District Kishtwar aligned seamlessly with the Digital JK Week, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with multifarious digital awareness activities.

These activities were orchestrated by the District Administration Kishtwar in collaboration with the Startup Cell of IIT Jammu and several other stakeholders.

Under the astute leadership of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav, the day saw a remarkable confluence of digital enthusiasts and experts.

The highlight of the day was the mega Hackathon held at the Government Degree College auditorium which took the central stage. The event drew participation from approximately 250 individuals from diverse backgrounds. Among the participants were young entrepreneurs, aspiring startups, and students and staff from ITI, polytechnic college, and GDC Kishtwar.

The Hackathon served as a pioneering platform for Kishtwar youth, focusing on different themes such as Smart City solutions, innovative agricultural practices, tourism and local art promotion, environmental sustainability, efficient waste management, flood control systems, and open problem-solving challenges with sustainable solutions.

Experts of IIT Jammu at the event urged participants to actively engage and present their innovative ideas during the Hackathon. This encouragement fosters a spirit of innovation among the youth, inspiring them to contribute creative solutions to various challenges.

  Recognizing the significance of digital skill development, the event also prioritised Digital Skill Development workshop on AI tools like ChatGP, Google sheets, Canva, GMail etc. The initiative aimed to equip participants with valuable digital skills, benefiting students and stakeholders in Kishtwar by enabling them to use these tools effectively.

In his address, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav emphasized the Hackathon’s potential to provide significant opportunities for young individuals, students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and startups. He highlighted the event’s role in refining communication skills, enhancing problem-solving capabilities, and nurturing business ideas in alignment with modern technological advancements.

The Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar emphasized its significance as a unique opportunity for aspiring youth. He described it as a chance to tap into the wealth of knowledge offered by experts from IIT, emphasizing that the guidance received can have far-reaching implications for their future endeavors. Furthermore, he wholeheartedly encouraged all participants to explore the diverse avenues presented during the event. Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar assured the participants that the district administration is fully committed to providing unwavering support to aspiring startups, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.

He also pledged continued collaboration between IIT Jammu, students, entrepreneurs, and the administration to make this initiative a permanent feature.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of nurturing a digital entrepreneurship ecosystem, advocating for a modern digital technology approach to empower new startups and entrepreneurial ventures.

This open Hackathon initiative is pioneering, designed to encourage youth to cultivate skills and innovative thinking. With a focus on fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, the event promises to catalyze future growth and development among the youth of Kishtwar.

In another significant development, a hands-on training session on the e-office and GEM portal was organized for the staff of the DC Office Complex Kishtwar. ADDC Kishtwar, Sham Lal JKAS, chaired the session, with Tehsildar HQ Kishtwar, Chander Shekhar Sharma, providing insights into e-office implementation, and Account Officer Imran Ahmed Kichloo elaborating on the usage of the GeM portal for government department purchases.

During the training programme under Digital Week celebration, the implementation and benefits of the e-office system was a central topic of discussion. Attendees delved into the practical aspects of e-office adoption, exploring how it streamlines administrative processes, reduces paperwork, and enhances overall efficiency within government offices. Furthermore, the Tehsildar HQ addressed to the participants that the integration of e-office with other digital tools and platforms will  ensure a seamless transition towards a more digitally enabled workspace. Experts and participants also exchanged insights on the challenges and solutions related to e-office implementation, emphasizing the importance of training and capacity-building to maximize its potential. Overall, this focal point of the Digital Week celebration aims to showcase the transformative power of digital technologies in modernizing government operations and improving service delivery to the public.

Meanwhile, the Accounts Officer illuminated the key aspects of utilizing the GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal for procurement within government offices. His presentation highlighted the pivotal role played by the GeM portal in streamlining and simplifying the process of government purchases. He discussed the advantages of using this digital platform, such as enhanced transparency, cost-effectiveness, and efficient procurement practices. The Account Officer’s insights shed light on how embracing digital solutions like GeM can significantly contribute to the modernization and efficiency of government operations during the Digital Week celebration.

Overall, the third day of the Digital India Week 2023 celebrations in District Kishtwar was a resounding success. It brought together individuals, experts, and stakeholders to promote digital awareness, skill development, and innovation, laying the foundation for a brighter digital future in Kishtwar. The collaboration between the administration, IIT Jammu, and the local community promises to usher in a new era of growth and development in the region.