Context:
Rashtrapati Bhavan will auction selected gift items, presented to the President and former Presidents on various occasions, through an online portal called E-Upahaar.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
E-Upahaar Portal
Overview:
- Purpose: The E-Upahaar portal serves as an auction platform for gift items presented to the President of India and former Presidents. It is managed by the President’s Secretariat (Office of the President of India), Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- Launch Date: July 25, 2024.
- Development: The portal was conceptualized, designed, developed, and is hosted by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Objectives:
- Citizen Engagement: Enhance interaction with citizens by offering them a chance to participate in auctions.
- Support Noble Causes: All proceeds from the auctions are donated to help children in need, supporting charitable causes.
National Informatics Centre (NIC)
Establishment:
- Year: 1976.
- Objective: NIC was established to provide technology-driven solutions to both Central and State Governments in India.
Key Responsibilities:
- E-Government Solutions: NIC focuses on offering e-Government solutions and support to various government departments.
- ICT Infrastructure: Setting up and managing ICT infrastructure for government use.
- e-Governance Projects: Implementation of national and state-level e-Governance projects/products.
- Consultancy: Providing consultancy services to government departments.
- Research & Development: Engaged in R&D activities to advance technology solutions for government operations.
Network and Linkages:
- NICNET: An ICT network connecting all Ministries/Departments of the Central Government and 36 State Governments/Union Territories across India.
Major Activities:
- Setting Up ICT Infrastructure: Developing and maintaining the technological framework required for effective governance.
- Implementation of e-Governance Projects: Supporting and rolling out various e-Governance initiatives at national and state levels.
- Consultancy Services: Offering expert advice and support to government entities on technology and information systems.
- Research & Development: Innovating and improving technology solutions to meet the evolving needs of government functions.
