RTI reveals 91 govt websites down in J&K since May.

News Arena Network: Srinagar: Sunday, August 17, 2025.

As per the agency’s reply, the websites were taken down because the departments concerned failed to comply with the regulations, including conducting mandatory security audits. These audits are now being carried out through CERT-In empanelled agencies.

The majority of government websites in Jammu and Kashmir have been non-functional since May 1, severely affecting public access to vital services across the Union Territory, reveals Right to Information (RTI) query.

In response to the RTI filed by activist Syed Adil, the Jammu and Kashmir E-Governance Agency (JaKeGA) revealed that 91 websites are currently down due to the non-availability of “safe to host” certificates.

As per the agency’s reply, the websites were taken down because the departments concerned failed to comply with the regulations, including conducting mandatory security audits. These audits are now being carried out through CERT-In empanelled agencies.

The reply from JaKeGA’s administrative officer, who also serves as its Public Information Officer (PIO) under the RTI Act, further stated: “Websites already hosted by the Jammu & Kashmir State Data Centre and lacking a ‘safe to host’ certificate are being audited by the third-party auditor, M/S Grant Thornton, appointed by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.”

When asked whether the government had provided any alternative means to ensure continuity of public services, the agency sidestepped the question, saying: “The information in this regard can be provided by the concerned departments.”

The RTI further revealed that these essential websites have remained non-functional since the first week of May. Speaking During his interaction with reporter here, Adil criticised the government’s failure to restore these websites.

“It has been officially revealed that 91 websites are down, but the actual number could be around 150. There has been little follow-up from the government to restore these websites, which reflects a lack of seriousness,” he added.