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Blockchain-based Government Services

and also to contribute predominantly to research this incipient technology for more

visionary and leading adoption (Shivendu, 2019).

The National Blockchain Strategy in reference to the following four key prin­

ciples showcased in Figure 8.7 is as follows:

1. Technology neutrality: Development of a policy that provides a platform

for competing technologies to emerge to their potential.

2. National-level policy and regulatory framework: Implementation of a

national-level policy to remove uncertainty and encourage private sector

investments. It should not restrict innovation and should consider smart

contracts legal.

3. Research and development: The government needs to invest in universi­

ties for promising research works through proper funding mechanisms.

4. Develop government capacity: Important to provide an understanding

of blockchain to officials and encourage and support various departments

within governments to explore this technology through pilots.

This draft sheds light on promising opportunities that India can reap through the

application of blockchain, such as monetization of data that is generated by the citi­

zen and Internet of Things (IoT) devices present in the system in a secure manner

and potentially contribute to the economy (Shivendu, 2019).

Table 8.2 explains the current scenario of blockchain technology in India through

the Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis.

8.5.2  State-level Policy – Tamil Nadu

On 19 September 2020, the state of Tamil Nadu became the first to release a state-

level policy on blockchain. The blockchain policy envisions delivering citizen-cen­

tric services, including healthcare and a “portable digital identity”.

Objectives of the policy:

a) Create a common set of guidelines to administer blockchain implementa­

tions across the Tamil Nadu Government to foster interoperability.

FIGURE 8.7  Key principles for blockchain strategy.