Department of Information Technology & Communication (DoIT&C) | RPSC Preparation: All subjects - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Introduction

Rajasthan is embracing technology and innovation to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. The state government, through the Department of Information Technology & Communication (DoIT&C), is implementing initiatives to promote digital infrastructure, education, and a vibrant startup ecosystem. These efforts focus on using advanced technologies like AI, Big Data, and digital platforms to address challenges and create opportunities. For the RPSC RAS Exam 2025, understanding these initiatives is essential, as they are frequently tested in both Prelims and Mains. The following notes explain each topic in simple language, covering objectives, key features, and impacts.

1. Department of Information Technology & Communication (DoIT&C)

Objectives:
The Department of Information Technology & Communication (DoIT&C) aims to leverage technology to improve governance, create employment opportunities, and enhance citizen services. It focuses on building a robust digital infrastructure and using advanced technologies like Big Data and AI to support state development.

Key Features:

• Rajasthan Stack:

  • A comprehensive digital platform that integrates various e-governance services, such as e-Mitra, Bhamashah, and Raj-eGyan, to provide seamless access to government services.

  • Offers cloud-based hosting, data storage, and software solutions for startups and government departments.

  • Supports efficient data management and service delivery across the state.

• RajNET:

  • A state-wide network connecting 9,894 gram panchayats, 183 municipal areas, and all district and block headquarters.

  • Provides Wi-Fi hotspots (10,686 as of 2024) for free internet access in public places.

  • Enables video conferencing and IP phone facilities at gram panchayats, improving communication in rural areas.

  • Supports e-governance initiatives by ensuring internet connectivity across Rajasthan.

• Command and Control Centres:

  • Established in 14 districts (Nagaur, Baran, Sirohi, Dungarpur, Jalore, Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Dausa, Barmer, Bhilwara, Shri Ganganagar, Karauli, Dholpur, Pratapgarh) and 7 divisional headquarters for GPS and CCTV-based security.

  • Monitors public safety through real-time surveillance and data analysis.

  • Work is ongoing to extend these centers to other districts.

• Big Data, Analytics, and AI Applications:

  • Used for revenue intelligence and tax collection to identify opportunities for increasing state revenue.

  • Helps detect tax evasion, optimize property registrations, and improve excise collections.

  • Employs AI to analyze large datasets, ensuring efficient and transparent revenue management.

• RajDharaa GIS Portal:

  • A web-based Geo Portal for geospatial data management, supporting departments like health, police, education, and water resources.

  • Enables policy planning, monitoring, and decision-making through GIS-based applications.

  • Includes 3D GIS models for Jaipur and virtual walkthroughs of historical monuments for urban planning.

Impact:

• Improved governance by making services accessible through Rajasthan Stack and RajNET, reducing the need for citizens to visit government offices.

• Enhanced public safety with Command and Control Centres, reducing crime rates in covered districts.

• Increased state revenue through AI-driven tax collection and analytics, supporting economic growth.

• Empowered rural communities with internet access and digital services, bridging the urban-rural divide.

• Supported urban planning and heritage preservation through advanced GIS technologies.

2. Digital Education

Rajasthan is modernizing education by introducing digital tools and platforms to make learning accessible and engaging for students across the state.

• Raj-eGyan:
  Objectives: Raj-eGyan aims to provide online learning resources to students, enabling access to education from anywhere using digital devices.
  Key Features:

  • Offers free digital content like videos, quizzes, and study materials for students of all levels.

  • Accessible through the RajApp Center and integrated with e-Mitra for easy use.

  • Supports teachers and students in government schools with e-learning tools.

  • Aligns with the National Mission on Education through ICT (NME-ICT) to promote digital education.

• Impact:

  • Enabled students in rural areas to access quality education through online resources.

  • Improved learning outcomes by making education interactive and engaging.

  • Supported teachers with digital tools, enhancing teaching methods in government schools.

• Smart Education Classes:
  Objectives: This initiative aims to introduce digital classrooms in government schools to make learning modern and interactive.
  Key Features:

  • Launched in districts like Bikaner, it uses projectors, computers, and internet to create smart classrooms.

  • Provides digital content under the NME-ICT Project to teach subjects like science and math interactively.

  • Equips schools with smart boards and multimedia tools to enhance student engagement.

• Impact:

  • Improved student interest and understanding through visual and interactive learning.

  • Reduced the education gap between urban and rural schools by introducing modern technology.

  • Encouraged digital literacy among students and teachers in government schools.

3. Startup Ecosystem

Rajasthan is building a vibrant startup ecosystem, particularly in Jaipur, to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in sectors like fintech, edtech, e-commerce, and healthcare.

• Growth of Fintech, Edtech, E-commerce, and Healthcare Startups:
  Objectives: The state aims to make Rajasthan a hub for startups by supporting young entrepreneurs in high-growth sectors, creating jobs, and attracting investments.
  Key Features:

  • Jaipur is emerging as a startup capital, hosting over 4,895 DIPP-recognized startups as of 2024.

  • iStart Rajasthan supports startups with the iStart Portal, offering funding, mentorship, and market access.

  • Techno Hub in Jaipur provides 1,50,000 sq. ft. of incubation space for 295 startups, with facilities like cloud servers and plug-and-play offices.

  • Incubation centers in Kota, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Bharatpur, and Pali support startups across the state.

  • Focuses on sectors like:

    • Fintech: Startups for digital payments and financial services.

    • Edtech: Platforms like Raj-eGyan and private startups for online learning.

    • E-commerce: Companies like apkamart.com for handicrafts and local products.

    • Healthcare: Startups developing healthtech solutions like telemedicine apps.

• Impact:

  • Created over 37,000 jobs through startups, boosting employment in Rajasthan.

  • Attracted ₹947+ crore in investments, strengthening the state’s economy.

  • Promoted innovation in key sectors, improving services like education and healthcare.

  • Empowered local entrepreneurs, especially in Jaipur, to compete nationally and globally.

• Challenge for Change:
  Objectives: This initiative aims to encourage innovation by inviting startups and students to solve social and economic challenges through technology.
  Key Features:

  • Organizes hackathons, innovation challenges, and competitions across Rajasthan.

  • Focuses on areas like healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance.

  • Provides mentorship, funding, and incubation support to winning ideas.

  • Encourages student participation through the iStart School Program.

• Impact:

  • Inspired innovative solutions to local problems, such as water scarcity and rural healthcare.

  • Supported the growth of new startups by providing a platform for idea development.

  • Engaged students and youth in entrepreneurship, fostering a culture of innovation.

• QRate Ranking Mechanism:
  Objectives: QRate aims to assess and rank startups based on their potential, helping them improve and attract funding.
  Key Features:

  • Evaluates startups on parameters like innovation, scalability, and market impact.

  • Provides detailed reports to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

  • Helps startups qualify for funding under iStart Rajasthan, with grants from ₹2.4 lakhs to ₹2 crores.

  • Supports investors by identifying high-potential startups.

• Impact:

  • Improved startup quality by offering actionable feedback and corrective measures.

  • Attracted more investors to Rajasthan’s startup ecosystem, increasing funding opportunities.

  • Enabled startups to scale up and compete in national and global markets.