Chhattisgarh:Blockchain for e-Governance Grand Challenge

Use-case -1 Data Exchange Framework

         Chhattisgarh is envisioning a statewide Data Exchange Framework (DEF) for which CHiPS is eager to conduct proof-of-concepts or pilots. In the current scenario, various state departments work in silos and there is no facility for real-time data exchange between them, owing primarily to issues of sensitivity of data. But, this often leads to duplication of efforts on part of the state departments where similar field exercices would need to be conducted for same purpose. Further, the lack of a common platform deprives the state for many opportunities of improving public service delivery. 

As per the envisioned proof-of-concept, beneficiary data along with sensitive information would be shared by the department, based on consent and protocols, with other departments as well. The platform should maintain all audit trails and logs regarding any exchanges of data, thereby bringing trust and accountability on the custodian/owner of citizen data.

          Further, the Data Exchange Framework would also give us the opportunity to enable a Trigger Management Platform (TMP), which would auto-initiate inclusion/removal of beneficiaries from databases of schemes of different departments wherever they are eligible. The triggers of Birth/Ageing, Death, Marriage, and Migration would be used to implement this. For example, if a certain beneficiary becomes eligible for a certain scheme after age of 18, and he/she has entries recorded on another scheme database of another different, then the TMP protocol would automatically register the individual as a beneficiary in the database of the particular scheme. Similarly, if any of the departments are notified of the beneficiaries’ death or migration, that beneficiary’s name would be removed from all scheme databases of all departments where he or she becomes ineligible.

          Owing to the sensitivity of the issue, and the issue of trust that comes when different departments share data with each other, it becomes utmost essential to have an irrefutable audit trail/log of any changes to the beneficiary data, and to have immutability of records.

          The proof-of-concept could be developed by considering dummy data that would be enough and sufficient to portray the functionalities. Any additional inputs or functionalities or suggestions to the proof-of-concept would be welcome.

The successful candidate would have a chance to work with the state in its future endeavours.