Which app got National e-Governance Award 2019 Special jury award?
VerifiedAnswer: IRCTC rail connect Mobile App
Explanation:
The IRCTC rail connect Mobile App received the prestigious National e-Governance Award 2019 Special Jury Award for its outstanding contribution to digital governance and public service delivery. This recognition highlights how technology can transform the way citizens interact with government services, making them more accessible and user-friendly.
The National e-Governance Awards are presented annually by the Government of India to recognize excellence in the implementation of e-governance initiatives across various sectors. These awards celebrate innovative digital solutions that have successfully improved governance delivery, enhanced citizen services, and promoted transparency in public administration.
The IRCTC rail connect app revolutionized the way Indians book train tickets and access railway services. Before its introduction, booking train tickets was often a time-consuming process involving long queues at railway stations or complicated online procedures. The app simplified this entire process by providing a user-friendly interface that allows passengers to search trains, check availability, book tickets, and make payments seamlessly from their mobile devices.
What made this app particularly deserving of the Special Jury Award was its massive impact on digital inclusion and citizen convenience. The application serves millions of users daily, making it one of the most widely used government apps in India. It democratized access to railway services by bringing them directly to people's smartphones, regardless of their location or technical expertise.
Key features that contributed to the app's success include real-time train tracking, PNR status checking, food ordering during travel, and integration with various payment gateways. The app also supports multiple languages, making it accessible to users across different regions of India. These features collectively enhanced the overall travel experience for railway passengers while reducing the burden on physical infrastructure and station staff.
The recognition in 2019 came at a time when digital India initiatives were gaining momentum, and the government was actively promoting the adoption of technology in public services. The IRCTC rail connect app served as a benchmark for other government departments, demonstrating how mobile applications could effectively bridge the gap between citizens and government services while maintaining security and reliability standards.
