Indian State of Telangana to Sign MoUs With Blockchain Firms, Streamline Gov't Services

The Indian state of Telangana announced it will sign several memoranda of understanding with blockchain firms as to eventually implement the technology in state applications, local Indian news agency the Business Standard reports July 26.

Telangana IT Secretary Jayesh Ranjan revealed that the state is planning to enter into MoUs with a number of blockchain-focused firms in order to implement the technology in "Six or seven government applications."

According to the government official, the measure aims to bring more transparency and efficiency to public services provided by the state.

Ranjan did not specify what areas of state services would be affected by the upcoming blockchain deployments.

Speaking at an official press conference for the 1st edition of the International Blockchain Congress July 26, Ranjan claimed that the state is set to sign the agreements during the event.

The International Blockchain Congress will be held at Telangana's capital Hyderabad from Aug. 3 till 4.

State and municipal governments have increasingly been adopting blockchain technology to make their operations more secure and efficient.

On July 25, the Government of Catalonia revealed its plans to implement blockchain tech in all areas of public administration by the end of 2018.

The Generalitat de Catalunya wants to promote the technology "With the aim of improving digital services to the public and promoting the potential of this technology between the Administration, companies and the citizen[s]."

Earlier this month, the Riyadh Municipality in Saudi Arabia, teamed up with tech giant IBM to develop a strategy for enhancing government services and transactions through the use of blockchain tech.