KEONICS, the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation, has agreed to replace 17 computers supplied to the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) after the Commission raised concerns about technical faults and operational inefficiency. Officials said the move comes after repeated complaints regarding system slowdowns, frequent crashes, and hardware issues that were affecting the day-to-day functioning of the Commission. KIC members highlighted that the faulty computers hindered timely processing of RTI applications, delayed official correspondence, and affected the overall administrative efficiency of the State’s key transparency watchdog.
According to sources at KEONICS, the replacement will involve newer models with upgraded specifications capable of supporting modern software and multi-tasking needs. The company assured that the replacement process would be completed within a stipulated timeframe, and existing data on the old machines would be safely migrated to the new systems. KIC officials said they were satisfied with KEONICS’ prompt response, but insisted on stricter quality checks to ensure no recurring technical problems.
The Karnataka Information Commission, responsible for enforcing the Right to Information Act across the State, relies heavily on IT infrastructure to manage hundreds of RTI applications daily. Members said delays due to faulty computers had caused backlogs, affecting citizens awaiting timely information. With the replacement of all 17 computers, the Commission expects smoother operations, faster processing of applications, and improved overall productivity.
Officials pointed out that KEONICS has been a long-term technology partner for multiple government departments in Karnataka, supplying hardware and supporting IT services. However, repeated complaints about defective machines had raised concerns over quality control and accountability. The Commission said this replacement would serve as a precedent, ensuring that suppliers take responsibility for providing functional and durable systems for public offices.
Members of the Commission expressed hope that the upgraded computers would also support better digital record management, data security, and seamless access to online resources. They emphasised that modern and reliable IT infrastructure is critical for the Commission to fulfil its mandate of transparency, accountability, and citizen service in the digital era. With KEONICS’ commitment to replacement, officials said they are optimistic about enhanced operational efficiency.
The State government has also taken note of the issue, with officials underlining the importance of timely equipment replacement in public offices. Sources said other departments facing similar challenges might receive guidance to escalate complaints to KEONICS or other suppliers for swift resolution. The replacement at KIC is being viewed as part of a larger effort to modernise government IT infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
The replacement process is expected to be completed in phases to minimise disruption to the Commission’s work. Officials said that some computers would be replaced first, allowing ongoing operations to continue, while the rest would be upgraded subsequently. This phased approach is intended to prevent downtime and maintain continuity in the Commission’s workflow.
KEONICS engineers are also expected to provide initial training and troubleshooting support for the new systems, ensuring that KIC staff can fully utilise upgraded features. Officials said this hands-on support will help avoid common user errors and ensure smooth adaptation to the new computers. Additionally, technical warranties and service agreements are expected to accompany the new machines.
Transparency advocates welcomed the development, stating that functional IT infrastructure is vital for accountability institutions like the KIC. They said delays caused by defective equipment can indirectly impact citizens’ right to timely information. With upgraded computers in place, the Commission is better positioned to maintain high standards of service and uphold the principles of the RTI Act effectively.
With KEONICS’ commitment to replace all 17 computers, the Karnataka Information Commission is poised to resume seamless operations, reduce application backlogs, and strengthen its role as the State’s key transparency institution. Officials said the upgrade represents a step forward in improving public service delivery and restoring confidence in the efficiency of government IT systems.
IT UPGRADE: Karnataka Information Commission Set for Smooth Operations
The Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) is preparing for a significant improvement in its IT infrastructure with KEONICS’ commitment to replace 17 defective computers. Commission officials emphasised that the move is crucial to maintain efficiency in processing Right to Information (RTI) applications across the State. Delays caused by malfunctioning systems had previously slowed down case handling, affecting transparency and accountability. With the replacement computers, the Commission expects to streamline operations, ensuring timely responses to citizens and smoother coordination among staff handling large volumes of applications.
TECHNICAL CHALLENGES AND KEONICS’ RESPONSE
The issues with the original computers included frequent system crashes, slow processing speeds, and hardware failures, which hampered day-to-day work. KEONICS, as the State’s official IT supplier, has agreed to provide upgraded machines to address these problems. Officials confirmed that the replacement computers will feature better specifications to handle modern software and multitasking demands, ensuring staff can work efficiently without recurring disruptions. KEONICS has committed to completing the replacement process within a set timeframe and providing technical support during the transition.
IMPROVING WORKFLOW AND PRODUCTIVITY
With the new systems in place, the Commission anticipates a significant reduction in delays and backlogs. Staff members will be able to process RTI applications more efficiently, manage records digitally, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Officials said that improved IT infrastructure will also enhance coordination across departments, streamline internal workflows, and ensure faster decision-making. This upgrade is expected to have a lasting impact on the overall productivity of the Commission, strengthening its ability to serve citizens.
ENSURING DATA SECURITY AND DIGITAL RECORDS
In addition to performance improvements, the upgraded computers will provide enhanced security features. KIC officials stressed the importance of safeguarding sensitive citizen data and official records. The new systems will allow for better digital record management, secure storage, and efficient retrieval of information, ensuring compliance with data protection protocols. Officials believe that modern IT infrastructure is vital for transparency institutions to function reliably in the digital era.
PHASED IMPLEMENTATION TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION
KEONICS and KIC plan to implement the computer replacements in phases to avoid operational downtime. Some computers will be replaced first, allowing staff to continue daily operations, while the remaining units will be upgraded subsequently. This phased approach is designed to maintain continuity in the Commission’s work, ensuring that ongoing RTI processing is not delayed during the transition. Officials highlighted the importance of careful planning to avoid service interruptions.
TRAINING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
KEONICS has also committed to providing technical support and initial training to KIC staff on the new systems. This will help employees adapt quickly to updated features and prevent common operational errors. Additionally, the replacement computers will come with warranties and service agreements to ensure long-term reliability. Officials emphasised that hands-on support is crucial to maximise the benefits of upgraded technology.
ADDRESSING PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY
Transparency advocates welcomed KEONICS’ move, stating that functional IT infrastructure is critical for upholding citizens’ right to information. Delays caused by faulty equipment previously hindered public access to timely information. With the replacement computers, the Commission will be better equipped to deliver reliable services, respond to RTI requests promptly, and maintain high standards of accountability.
PRECEDENT FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
Officials indicated that this replacement sets a precedent for other State departments facing similar IT challenges. KEONICS has been asked to respond promptly to complaints and ensure that public offices have functional and reliable systems. The KIC’s upgrade may encourage other departments to review their hardware and seek timely replacements, thereby improving service delivery across government institutions.
COLLABORATION BETWEEN KIC AND KEONICS
The replacement process underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies and technology providers. KIC officials praised KEONICS for responding to complaints and taking responsibility for delivering functional equipment. This partnership aims to strengthen operational efficiency, improve citizen services, and ensure that public institutions can fulfil their mandates without technical hindrances.
FUTURE-READY INFRASTRUCTURE
With all 17 computers replaced and upgraded, the Karnataka Information Commission is set to enhance operational efficiency and maintain its role as a key transparency institution. Officials believe the move represents a step towards modernising government IT infrastructure, ensuring reliable service delivery, and meeting citizens’ expectations. The upgrade will enable the Commission to handle increasing workloads effectively, reinforce public trust, and future-proof its operations in the digital era.
ADDRESSING LONG-STANDING IT CHALLENGES
The replacement of 17 computers at the Karnataka Information Commission addresses long-standing technical challenges that had slowed down administrative processes. Staff had repeatedly reported issues such as system freezes, software incompatibility, and slow network response times, which affected the timely processing of RTI applications. With upgraded machines in place, officials said day-to-day operations will become more efficient, reducing stress on employees and ensuring smoother handling of citizen requests. This initiative demonstrates the State’s commitment to improving institutional functionality through reliable technology.
ENHANCING CITIZEN SERVICE
KIC officials highlighted that the upgraded computers will directly benefit citizens seeking information under the RTI Act. Faster processing speeds and more reliable systems mean that applications can be acknowledged, reviewed, and resolved with minimal delay. The Commission stressed that improving IT infrastructure is not merely an internal matter but a critical step toward upholding transparency and accountability in governance. Citizens are expected to notice tangible improvements in service delivery once the replacements are fully operational.
FOCUS ON DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
The computer replacement aligns with broader efforts to digitise and modernise government offices across Karnataka. Officials said that upgraded systems will facilitate better integration with digital records, cloud storage, and online communication channels. The move reflects the growing importance of technology in public administration, ensuring that institutions like the KIC remain efficient, accessible, and resilient in the face of increasing workloads and technological demands.
MONITORING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
KEONICS and KIC have agreed to closely monitor the replacement process to ensure that all machines meet quality standards. Officials emphasised that periodic checks, proper installation, and performance evaluations will be conducted to prevent recurrence of past technical issues. This focus on quality assurance demonstrates a proactive approach to maintaining reliable IT infrastructure for long-term efficiency.
STRENGTHENING THE COMMISSION’S MANDATE
Ultimately, the replacement of defective computers strengthens the Karnataka Information Commission’s ability to fulfill its mandate of promoting transparency and accountability. With enhanced IT infrastructure, the Commission can process RTI applications efficiently, safeguard sensitive data, and provide reliable information services to the public. Officials said the upgrade reinforces the institution’s credibility and ensures that it remains a robust pillar of good governance in the State.
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