The new course for the implementation of digital technologies in all areas of public administration, as well as in all spheres of life should have the effect of achieving the maximum result, to prevent, above all, corruption and to achieve a simplification, but at the same time a reliable result. Another goal is integration with global digital processes, which will simplify economic and commercial tasks. One more important goal of digitalization is accessibility and comfort for the citizens of Kyrgyzstan, who will be able to solve many of their problems and tasks without leaving home.
"This is especially urgent during a crisis like the one that happened this year. The coronavirus infection and the subsequent pandemic of the disease paralyzed all livelihoods and routines. The population is already ready to buy household appliances and electronics, order and purchase medicines, and pay for utilities through digital technology. The convenience and comfort created by the implementation of digitalization can also provide personal security, but digital security will have to be thought of by those in charge. The world has long seen the growth of Internet influence, the development of social networks and, accordingly, individuals who are engaged in so-called hacker attacks. Digitalization in Kyrgyzstan is only at the beginning of its path, but in parallel it is necessary to develop a set of measures to protect the personal data of citizens and many other things, including state financial and strategic departments and institutions," a high-tech specialist and IT engineer Ruslan Abishev noted.
Last week, Acting Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Artem Novikov held a meeting on the progress of digitalization of tax administration procedures.
"The initiative initially faced ambitious and serious tasks. After all, when Kyrgyzstan was launching digitalization, focus was not only on achieving comfortable conditions for the population. The tasks were set much higher. Digital technology was to help solve complex issues of an economic nature, tax services, and the introduction of digitalization at all checkpoints in Kyrgyzstan was to increase the efficiency of all services without exception. Therefore, after the change of government in the republic, many wondered what would happen with the old initiatives that had already been launched? As we can see, the new Government, headed by Artem Novikov, is keeping this issue under control. New tasks are set, which means that the implementation of an important initiative will continue until the maximum effect is achieved,” the expert said.
Continuing the theme, it is worth noting that the meeting chaired by Acting PM Novikov discussed the stages of implementation of the Consolidated Post automated information system, the analytical system of VAT control and digital labeling of goods (including medicines). Presentations were prepared on each issue, which revealed a number of shortcomings.
The acting prime minister noted the Government is working on the implementation of large-scale projects within the framework of the state program for digitalization of the economy, including the introduction of several components of fiscal procedures, aimed at creating favorable conditions for businesses to operate in the new digital format.
Novikov criticized the unsatisfactory and insufficient work at the checkpoints on the implementation of a pilot project of the Consolidated Post automated information system.
"We have an important and serious task - to eliminate possible corruption risks at the border. Clear objectives have been set for the pilot implementation of the Consolidated Post automated system, as well as the automation of customs checkpoints and weight control systems. Unfortunately, today we have seen how the decisions of the Government are implemented in practice. I want to emphasize the importance of quality and timely implementation of a unified information tax, customs, border, and weight and dimensions system. On Dec. 20, the Consolidated Post system should be launched in the pilot mode at the Chaldovar-Avtodorozhnyi, Ak-Tilek-Avtodorozhnyi, and Chon-Kapka-Avtodorozhnyi checkpoints. Underdeveloped components of this system hinder its full implementation. I would like to note that the automated system is needed primarily by the tax service, because with its full implementation the corruption risks will be eliminated, and all collected funds will be used to replenish the national budget,” he said.
As part of the implementation of the Digital Transformation Concept "Digital Kyrgyzstan 2019-2023" in 2019, work was carried out to upgrade video surveillance systems at all checkpoints of the Kyrgyz Border Service. Currently, Ak-Jol – Avtodorozhnyi, Ak-Tilek – Avtodorozhnyi and Dostuk – Avtodorozhnyi checkpoints are connected to the video surveillance system. 30-35 video cameras are installed at each checkpoint. These activities were carried out as part of the first phase of the creation of the Monitoring and Data Storage Center of the State Border Service of the Kyrgyz Republic.
"This is fundamentally important. Digitalization was designed precisely to minimize corrupt practices. This is the main objective of this initiative. And it is already yielding positive results. There is a long way to go to improve the implementation of new technologies. During this period, it is necessary to conduct explanatory work with the population. The experience of other countries shows that through the receipt of explanatory information the population more quickly and actively begins to be integrated into the process of digitalization. This, in turn, increases the effectiveness of all mechanisms. If people, ordinary citizens do not become active digital users, the efficiency of this process will be low," said the expert.
As a result of retreats, an appropriate measures were taken against responsible persons. Thus, 22 employees of Ak-Tilek and Chaldovar transport control points, 11 employees of Chon-Kapka and Kyzyl-Adyr transport control points were rotated in the system of the republic’s Transport Ministry.
“This is exactly what we were talking about earlier. In the end, digitalization will simply accustom to the basics of order, and this in turn will establish all work processes, which will take place in a timely manner, relying on moral and value-based guidelines. Kyrgyzstan is moving toward a fundamentally new format of thinking. And digitalization is becoming a real boost to efficiency," Abishev said.
Acting PM Novikov noted all interaction at checkpoints should take place only in the electronic format.
"The human factor must be completely eliminated in the implementation of the project. The necessary shipping documents should not be filled out in front of or in the presence of the responsible employees of these services, all actions should take place on a non-contact basis. I am 95% sure that at the moment, even if the system is launched, paperwork will continue. It is necessary to seriously improve this component," the acting prime minister stressed.
When discussing the analytical system of VAT control and digital labeling of goods (including medicines), Novikov emphasized the timeliness of these projects.
"All activities within the digitalization of tax administration must take place within the established deadlines. For untimely execution of these tasks each manager is personally responsible,” the acting head of the government said.
Following the results of the meeting, relevant government agencies have been instructed to solve all existing technical problems, including ensuring the full functioning of the Consolidated Post information system and the system of weight control. Monitoring of the implementation of projects to transform the tax and customs services will be conducted on a daily basis.
Modern information and communication technologies significantly change the social consciousness, in this regard, we note with confidence that the formation of a new, information society, which is called "digitalization", is now taking place. The process is not yet complete. However, the introduction of digitalization is a vital factor, which should fundamentally change civil thinking, and public administration should become more effective.
Kabar News Agency
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