Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Panel discussion on good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic, during the 50th Session of Human Rights Council (13 June – 08 July 2022) delivered by Ms. Jagpreet Kaur, Under Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, (Geneva, 21 June 2022) Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Panel discussion on good governance in the promotion and pro..
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Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Panel discussion on good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic, during the 50th Session of Human Rights Council (13 June – 08 July 2022) delivered by Ms. Jagpreet Kaur, Under Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, (Geneva, 21 June 2022)

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Panel discussion on good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic, during the 50th Session of Human Rights Council (13 June – 08 July 2022) delivered by Ms. Jagpreet Kaur, Under Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs
(Geneva, 21 June 2022)

Thank you, Mr. President.

My delegation welcomes the organisation of this panel discussion as well as the remarks of the Deputy High Commissioner and the panellists.

2. We believe that ‘good governance’ is fundamental and new technologies are instrumental to overcoming challenges, ensuring the full realisation of human rights and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It is all the more important during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. India has taken numerous measures to utilize technology for efficient, transparent, and targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits and services to citizens. Digital initiatives played a significant role during the lock downs in the preceding two years, in distribution of food grains and direct cash transfers to the beneficiaries, including senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

4. We also effectively made use of the prevalence of smartphones in the country to check the spread of coronavirus. A contact tracing and self-assessment mobile application, called ‘Aarogya Setu’, was launched to enable people to assess the risk of them being exposed to COVID-19 infection. We adopted a technology driven vaccination programme, by launching a unique digital platform Co-Win 2.0, that supports the real time vaccination activities, including registration for vaccine, stocks and storage of vaccine, generation of digital certificates, and tracking the vaccination status of beneficiaries.

5. To ensure continued education for children during the pandemic, a comprehensive initiative called PM e-VIDYA was launched to unify all efforts related to digital, online, and on-air education. It provides for QR coded ‘Energized Textbooks’ for all grades.

Mr. President,

6. It is imperative that we support digital initiatives that ensure good governance, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of the society.

I thank you Mr. President.

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