Mumbai:

Says said: "The website has comprehensive information on industry, trade and commerce, agriculture, finance, education and tourism, besides the historical, geographical and political aspects of the state."

The key feature that sets the portal apart from other government websites in India is the special focus on news and media from India's leading national newspapers and magazines and the 24x7 updating.

Singh, while emphasising the need to update the data on a regular basis so as to enable the best available services to the users, says: "The website promises the worldwide audience timely, relevant and lucid updates of news and events as and when they happen."

The launch sees a sleek, user-friendly layout as well as a host of new features, enhancing interactivity between the public and the government, bringing the state administration closer to its people.

The portal features a comprehensive database of Punjab-related information, hosted online for the first time on the official site, such as the updated state information, extended directory services of the governor and the chief minister's offices.

Police chiefs and administrative secretaries, the latest facts and figures on the agricultural, industrial and education sectors, the complete list of MPs, cabinet ministers and MLAs are also present, apart from detailed planning documents such as the Punjab Budget 2003 and the New Roadmap of the Punjab government.

Keeping in tune with its promise to combat corruption in the state and promote transparency in government and related operations, the portal has a special section dedicated to the Punjab government's fight against corruption, listing various cases and providing updates on each for general information.

A detailed listing of Vidhan Sabha questions and answers has been added to allow easy access to every citizen and round-the-clock news and special reports updates have been initiated for maximised user information.

The portal also initiates the process of e-governance by creating an user database of resident and non-resident Punjabis worldwide via the user registration, a facility that will allow registrants to receive special notifications and newsletters, as well as participate in planned features such as real time chat and discussion forums.

A specially created citizen support cell, which will be maintained and responded to be heads of the various public service departments, shall allow citizens to communicate their grievances via the portal directly to the authorities and expect prompt and appropriate results. The site can be searched rapidly and relevantly via the index server search a facility available in both English and Punjabi.

Other interesting features include a detailed section on Punjab's glorious history and heritage, tourist spots and religious hubs and a photo gallery. Utilities include listings of tender documents, general examination results and admissions and government recruitment notices.

Future plans include increased interactivity through celebrity chats with important and influential Punjabis, e-greetings and email service, a video gallery, detailed archives of government documentation such as land records and enhanced information databases such as telephone directories and public facilities listings.

Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included: B I S Chahal, adviser to the chief minister; D S Jaspal, principal secretary, information and public relations; Karam Singh, director, information and public relations; and Durbar Ganguli, executive vice-president and associate editor, The Pioneer.