Maharashtra has officially become the second state in India to move towards significant blockchain implementation, following Andhra Pradesh. Maharashtra has just concluded its blockchain pilot study which put forth four Proof of Concepts (PoCs) to test blockchain technology’s feasibility in the State. More specifically, the PoCs tracked organ transplants, rationing, land records, and digital certification.
To date, Andhra Pradesh has already deployed a data cloud policy using blockchain technology. The state bases its policy upon five Ms: manpower, market access, mindset change, money and memorandum of understanding.
India’s Second Blockchain State
Maharashtra’s shift towards blockchain technology gained inspiration from Estonia’s blockchain model in the public sector.
The Maharashtra government shortlisted a selection of private startups to create PoCs in various industries in early 2018. Four PoCs were selected from the shortlist. The PoCs are now complete and reports on the projects are underway.
When the detailed reports are ready, the concepts will be applied to day-to-day government functions in India. Because the pilot project was such a success, the procedures demonstrated in the PoCs will be out of the pilot stage and operational shortly.
With a population of 116 million, Maharashtra is the second largest state in India by population. This also makes it the second largest sub-national entity by population, following the Indian State Rajasthan. It also contains Mumbai, India’s financial capital and largest city, according to World Population Review.
A Closer Look at the Study
Maharashtra’s pilot study implemented a blockchain-based PoC in the organ donation and transplant supply chain at GT Hospital in India.
The PoS allowed real-time data and tracking. Additionally, it replaced the significant volume of paperwork typically required in this sector of the hospital.
The transplant supply chain is quite complex, requires a great deal of legal paperwork, and leaves a lot of room for error. Blockchain technology allows automation, distribution, and full transparency. It, therefore, has the potential to radically improve medical practices, and streamline data storage in a number of industries.
The success of the organ donation and transplant PoC conveys this.
Blockchain In India
The first Indian state to implement blockchain, Andhra Pradesh, is using it to store and share land records, primarily. And with the success of Maharashtra’s pilot study, two states in the world’s second-most populous country, with a combined population of approximately 200 million, will soon have access to services soon based on blockchain.
And more blockchain adoption is coming to other Indian states. In fact, Telangana, Karnataka, and Gujarat are currently in evaluation stages.
India’s willingness to explore and adopt blockchain technology will provide an endless possibility for improved efficiency and record accuracy across industries. Moreover, with two states in India on board, millions of individuals will have access to government services on blockchain.
Will more states in India start considering blockchain technology within their governments? Additionally, will the rest of the world continue to do the same?
