THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: File movement stalled yesterday as the e-office system at the secretariat came to a standstill due to a technical glitch. The functioning of all departments has been disrupted.

NIC is continuing to try to resolve the problem that started at 9 pm last night. File movement is at a standstill in all 44 departments of the Secretariat.

99 percent of the files are handled digitally in the Secretariat. Even ministers handle e-files. There are about 800 sections in 44 departments. About 16,000 files pass through the e-office daily. A file can be finalized only after verification by officials ranging from assistants to departmental secretaries. In some files, the inspection will extend to the offices of the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister.

The file movement was blocked but the files to be prepared for the cabinet meeting could be moved. There was no problem since they were not digital files.

"The reason is a technical fault. Efforts to resolve are ongoing in Delhi. It is believed that the problem can be solved today.'

- N.I.C