Movement towards a paperless society

The use of the internet has considerably reduced dependence on paperwork and the accompanying 'red tape'. For instance, Maruti Udyog carries out the bulk of its sourcing of materials and components in a paperless fashion.

Government departments and regulatory authorities are increasingly moving in the same direction — allowing electronic filing of returns and reports, and delivering items such as software, movies, music, e-books and journals online. e-commerce tools are also driving administrative reforms aimed at speeding up the granting of permissions, approvals and licences. In this respect, the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 are especially noteworthy, …