Imagine how technology could bridge the gap between citizens of the world’s most populous nation, and the government programs that strive to deliver services to them.
In the bustling social impact sector, Mohit Khanna’s journey stands as a testament to the power of leveraging technology for social transformation. As a seasoned private sector technology leader, Mohit embarked on a pioneering path by joining The/Nudge Indian Administrative Fellowship (IAF), Punjab. This leap marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he redirected his expertise towards driving large-scale impact alongside senior bureaucrats.
Throughout his tenure as an IAF fellow, Mohit encountered a myriad of challenges, each presenting unique opportunities to realise his long-term vision for societal change. Drawing upon his extensive technical skill set honed through years of corporate engagement, Mohit seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the IAF program. This unique platform offered him the opportunity to collaborate with government officials at different levels, fostering a dynamic environment of mutual learning and contribution.
At the heart of Mohit’s mission lay a deep-rooted commitment to address critical deficiencies within the public systems. Through initiatives like the National E-service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) 2023 – a biennial assessment aimed at enhancing citizen-centric service delivery across states and ministries through bench-marking, Mohit identified crucial gaps in governance structures, including training inefficiencies, lack of exposure to emerging systems, and waning motivation for excellence in the functionaries. Leveraging his expertise, Mohit spearheaded strategic measures to enhance Punjab’s cybersecurity posture and regulatory compliance, thereby fortifying the state’s e-service delivery framework.
Central to Mohit’s journey were the insightful field visits, providing firsthand exposure to ground realities. From surveying district service delivery camps to evaluating call-centre operations, these experiences enriched Mohit’s understanding and fueled his determination to drive tangible change. Although navigating the complexities of governance, especially with hierarchies, misalignment on timelines, and spread-out implementation units, was challenging, Mohit’s unwavering dedication and strategic interventions ensured the successful implementation of NeSDA initiatives, propelling Punjab towards a more efficient and inclusive governance model.
The work included integration of the Feedback/Survey Portals, 50+ NeSDA parameter improvement, ensuring compliance with GIGW (Guidelines for Indian Government Websites) for Punjab government websites and enabling a POC for a multi-lingual AI chatbot.
Reflecting on his Fellowship experience, Mohit emphasises the transformative power of collaboration and exchange of ideas. By bridging the gap between industry expertise and governmental vision, Mohit and his peers pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. As Mohit continues to navigate the intersection of technology and governance, he serves as an inspiration for aspiring changemakers, proving that excellence and service are not mutually exclusive pursuits.
Through his tireless efforts and strategic foresight, Mohit Khanna epitomises the transformative potential of tech-infused governance, revitalising Punjab’s tradition of service and paving the way for a more prosperous tomorrow.
