The office of the Chief Electric Inspector (CEI) plans to introduce digital online technology by next July to facilitate transparent, faster and hassle-free public services, sources in the ministry said.
The organisation is an important government agency of the power sector. It is the only non-tax revenue earning office of the Power Division. The office of the CEI usually inspects and approves electrical safety issues in any establishment like the substations (high and medium voltage) and new buildings so that the power connections are safe for use.
In addition, they also issue licenses to contractors supervising electrical connections in the field level, validate competency of supervisors and issues certificates and technical permits through examinations by Electrical Licensing Board.
Abul Khair Md Akkas Ali, Chief Electric Inspector of the office told Bangladesh Post, “We are going to introduce digital services in all our offices. As a result, the dream of building a ‘digital Bangladesh’ would come one step closer.”
“After its completion, people could seek for inspection of substation or establishment for electrical safety, license for contractors and supervisor and all other services through online. Customers can also make relevant payments using digital banking services. Such arrangements would definitely improve efficiency and quality of our services as well as remove any delays.” he added.
Atowar Rahman, Secretary, Electricity Licensing Board at the office of the chief electric inspector, told Bangladesh Post “In the last few years, this organization has made great progress. This trend of digital services is continuing.”
He said that digital services is one of the dream projects under the greater slogan of building ‘Digital Bangladesh’ – a theme master minded by our Prime Minister.
He explained the benefits of having introduced online services. He said that anyone could apply for his/her service with proper document and paying the due fees through online, which will be recordedthe central server.
He continued, “After verification, the applicants will be notified shortly via mobile or email. If there are lack of supporting documents the respective clients would also be informed through the same process. So ideally, clients literally would not have to appear at the offices and waste time and energy.”
“Currently it takes around seven days for inspection. When we shift to digital services, the same task would hardly take 1 or 2 days. After inspection, the inspector will send the report from the site. No need to come to the office.” he added.