ICT ministry launches updated e-services platform

AMMAN — An updated version of the electronic government gateway and an online-service application were launched on Sunday, presenting a wide range of services and interactive features to bring citizens closer to public institutions. 

The new platforms allow citizens to inquire, interact, suggest and file complaints, while the e-gateway provides 125 services online, such as the payment of traffic tickets and inquiring about legal cases, taxes and pensions, according to ICT Minister Majd Shweikeh. 

“The gateway has now become interactive instead of serving as a database only. It represents all ministries, public institutions and departments, enabling it to be a one-stop focal point to obtain information related to the government and enjoy a set of e-services,” she said at a press conference on Sunday. 

Citizens can sign up on the gateway and enter their information to get access to the services and information available on the portal, which also features an open data platform that provides data and statistics pertaining to a number of vital sectors, Shweikeh said.

“The open data platform is essential for investors as it provides them with essential data that help them decide on new businesses. By making these data available to the public, the government enables the civil society to participate in the decision-making process and thus creates more transparency and trust in the government’s performance,” the minister noted.

The gateway also includes an “around me” feature, which enables people to look for the nearest public schools, in addition to a window that provides citizens with the opportunity to interact and present ideas directly to the government.

The public can also share information from the gateway on social media networks, according to the ICT Ministry. 

On the other hand, the online service application, dubbed “At Your Service”, allows people to attach photos and videos with their complaints — which will be handled within 48 hours — with the option not to reveal the identity of the applicant. 

The application is connected with all public institutions, where 100 liaison officers will be responsible for receiving the complaints, addressing them and sending notifications to all the parties involved to track the status of the application.

The Public Sector Development Ministry, represented by the government complaints’ unit, will issue periodical reports outlining the type of complaints received to be referred to the prime minister. 

“We are now focusing on raising awareness on the new e-services and gateway... around 10 services will only be available online as of January 2018,” said Shweikeh, who added that the USAID and the EU have been supporting the government to launch the new online services.