Mobile Phones
Every gadget
comes with certain advantages, and troubles if misused. The mobile phone is one
like that. Consider the benefits the Internet has brought with it and also the
blame that it misleads the youth into doing wrong things. But when we compare
the positives and the negatives, the benefit certainly outweighs the minus
side.
The recent
decision in Kerala to ban the use of mobile phones in Government offices is a
retrograde step in the context of advancing technology. When the Government is
trying to implement e-governance in all departments, the latest advances in the
use of mobile phones is totally neglected.
Mobile phones
are now not just a mechanism to talk to someone. Almost all functions that can
be done through the internet can also be done through the phones. The smart
phones that come out now are capable of replacing the computers, as has lap-top
pushed out desk-tops.When the emphasis is on reducing the need for people
visiting Offices, what can be done over the phone gets a lot of importance. It
is well known how difficult it is to meet someone in an office because of the
crowd gathering there, how convenient it would be if you have the mobile number
of the right person and make enquiries about the progress of your file! In the
modern days when even banking and payments can be done through the phone, and
when even banks discourage people from going personally to the branches, why
should people be denied this facility in Government offices alone? Also, think
of the time and money involved in a person personally presenting himself in the
office to get something done. And, how many times he will have to go there to
get it done! In many cases, a person may have to take leave from his office
many times to achieve this, thus putting his own office out of gear. When
payment of utility bills, tax, etc. is increasingly being encouraged all over
the world, why should Kerala alone go many steps backward in making use of
modern technology? Communicating through the mobile phone will take away a
heavy load of traffic from the roads and also help reduce fuel consumption to a
great extent. It also reduces the chances of personal influence and bribery to
a great extent.
Also, let us not
forget how the mobile phone has helped the police to trace and nab hard core
criminals!
It is high time
that the untimely order was reversed and people encouraged to interact through
mobile phones with Government offices.
