Maharashtra to use blockchain technology in agriculture marketing, vehicle registration

In a serious bid to improve the service delivery, the Maharashtra government has firmed up an ambitious plan to implement blockchain technology in agriculture marketing, supply chain, registration of vehicles and document management system. The Maharashtra Information Technology Directorate will be nodal agency for implementation.

A blockchain is a distributed digital transaction ledger, which allows maintenance of identical copies of data or records on multiple computer systems. The state government has given its approval two days ago and issued notification on use of blockchain technology. The government has earmarked Rs 10 crore for 2019-20 of which the project implementation committee has approved Rs 4 crore for adoption of blockchain technology. 

State information technology department principal secretary SVR Srinivas told DNA, "The state government is adopting a cutting edge technology to help enhance efficiency in the governance. Already the government has completed its first blockchain pilot in the fields of health, supply chain, documents and SSC certificates. A detailed report has been prepared to go in for extensive use of blockchain technology in various government departments. A regulatory sandbox, which will be a common framework for adopting blockchain technology, will be prepared in next five to six months.'' 

Srinivas informed that initially the government has plans to use blockchain technology in agriculture marketing, supply chain, registration of vehicles and document management system and later for every department. Another government officer, who did not want to be named, said blockchain information cannot be hacked or tampered with.

Indian Merchants' Chamber immediate past president Raj Nair observed that blockchain technology has an ability to simplify and speed up authentication of important documents like proof of birth, family lineage, people and their rights of ownership once they are recorded. This is crucial when the existing processes are painful and time consuming.''

HIGHLIGHTS

• Blockchain is a distributed digital transaction ledger, which allows maintenance of identical copies of data or records on multiple computer systems
   
• The govt has earmarked `10cr for 2019-20 of which the project implementation committee has approved `4cr for its adoption