Tajikistan is making strides toward digital transformation with the support of international partners like UNDP and the EU, aiming to streamline civil registry processes and enhance public services.
Tajikistan, a Central Asian nation, has been on a trajectory of digital evolution for several years, seeking to modernize its public services through e-government initiatives. Among its primary objectives is the overhaul of civil registry offices, a crucial aspect of administrative infrastructure.
This endeavor has received a substantial boost from the "Civil Registry System Reform Initiative," a collaborative effort between the European Union (EU), the Government of Switzerland, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The journey towards modernizing Tajikistan's civil registry commenced in 2014 when the government approved the "Development Program of Bodies of Civil Registration for 2014 - 2019." Aligned with Tajikistan's legislative framework and national development strategy, this program laid the groundwork for subsequent initiatives.
In 2016, a UNDP study highlighted the efficiency gains achieved through modernization efforts. Tasks and operations that previously consumed hours in archives could now be completed in just five minutes, marking a remarkable advancement in efficiency.
Building upon these achievements, the UNDP pilot project on the "Digitization of Civil Registry Archives" was launched in 2019 - 2020. This initiative, under the broader "Civil Registry System Reform Initiative," facilitated the procurement of essential equipment for civil registry offices, leading to the digitization of over 188,000 civil registration records. This digitization initiative paved the way for a more accessible future, enabling citizens to swiftly access archival records without enduring long queues or multiple office visits.
Looking ahead, the project aims to further empower Tajikistan's civil registry offices. Plans include the training of 300 employees in data entry and scanning methods, alongside the provision of modern equipment valued at $482,379 to 74 offices. These initiatives will establish a streamlined digital workflow, revolutionizing record-keeping practices and liberating data from the confines of traditional archival databases.
As digitization progresses, both civil registration officials and citizens of Tajikistan can expect significant benefits. These include enhanced accuracy in archival data searches, elimination of duplicates, time savings, and the eradication of manual processes for accessing archives and obtaining handwritten certificates.
The transition to an "Electronic Civil Registry Office" system offers multifaceted advantages. Traditionally, millions of vital records were recorded on paper, posing challenges related to storage, accessibility, and vulnerability to risks like fire and natural disasters. The electronic system addresses these concerns by ensuring reliable long-term storage of electronic records, facilitating efficient document searches, and enabling multi-user access.
Moreover, the automated search and reference system will streamline public service provision by leveraging new information technologies. It will systematize and optimize document storage in electronic format, reducing overhead costs associated with paper documents and minimizing the risks of damage and loss.
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