The National eGovernance Division (NeGD), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has launched Entity Locker, a secure cloud-based platform designed to simplify the management, verification, and storage of business documents.
This initiative aligns with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure goals and the Union Budget 2024-25, emphasizing digital governance and enhancing the ease of doing business.
What is Entity Locker?
Entity Locker is a platform designed to assist a wide range of entities, including large corporations, MSMEs, trusts, and startups, in managing their important business documents. It facilitates secure cloud storage and simplifies document sharing, verification, and access.
Key Features of Entity Locker
- Real-time access: Integrates with government databases to provide real-time document verification.
- Consent-based sharing: Allows secure sharing of documents, with the user’s consent.
- Role-based access: Implements Aadhaar-authenticated access to ensure accountability.
- 10 GB encrypted cloud storage: Provides secure storage for business documents.
- Legally valid digital signatures: Ensures documents are properly authenticated.
These features are designed to minimize administrative overhead, speed up processing times, and improve operational efficiency.
Benefits of Entity Locker
- Simplifies document sharing and access for business partners and stakeholders.
- Supports compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements.
- Tracks document activities to ensure accountability.
- Reduces administrative workload by consolidating document storage.
- Speeds up document processing and operational workflows.
Seamlessly integrates with government systems.
Key Integrations
Entity Locker connects with critical government systems, including the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), GST Network (GSTN), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and others. This integration allows businesses instant access to necessary documents and simplifies compliance processes.
Use Cases for Entity Locker
- Vendor verification for procurement portals.
- Accelerated loan applications for MSMEs.
- Compliance documentation for FSSAI.
- Vendor verification in GSTN, MCA, and tendering processes.
- Simplified corporate annual filings.
Strategic Importance of Entity Locker
Officials from MeitY highlight that Entity Locker is more than just a technological solution; it is a strategic tool aimed at reducing administrative friction and boosting business productivity. The platform reflects the government’s commitment to improving digital infrastructure and fostering economic growth through technology.
As part of the Digital India Programme, Entity Locker addresses complex administrative challenges and promotes efficiency in business operations. Its phased implementation will include further integration with additional government platforms.
The National eGovernance Division (NeGD) has asked businesses, regulators, and other stakeholders to adopt this platform to streamline operations and ensure smoother compliance.
You can check out Entity Locker at entity.digilocker.gov.in/