Panaji, Feb 23 (NT): In another initiative towards achieving e-governance, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar launched Goa Excise Management System (GEMS) at a function in the Secretariat on Friday.

The work-flow based software application is developed by NIC Goa for excise department and e-challan and payment gateway developed by directorate of Accounts.

The function was organised by department of Finance coinciding with Golden Jubilee of Excise Department. Speaking on the occasion, Parsekar said that with GEMS in place, the office will go paperless. He said that it will help in saving time and reduce cost on paper. Parsekar also said that people expect to have transparent and efficient governance and if this is done with dedication to the expectations of people, the purpose behind developing software’s like GEMS will be fulfilled. He complimented makers of the software from NIC.

Chief Secretary Keval Kumar Sharma said that the GEMS Software will help to improve efficiency, speed up processing of files, facilitate dealers in getting anytime, anywhere, and round the clock service. He said that the GEMS services will be extended to other departments. Additional Secretary Finance Michael D’Souza informed about the utility of GEMS software in speeding work, getting economical and paperless office, reaching of services to the doorsteps of the people and how it would result in achieving transparency and efficiency.