Bengaluru: The state government has given a big push for strengthening e-governance by approving the `800 crore Karnataka State Wide Area Network (KSWAN)-2 project.

The cabinet cleared the second phase of KSWAN on Wednesday to establish a strong state information highway by connecting its 10,000 offices across the state, Law and Parliamentary Affairs minister T B Jayachandra said briefing reporters about cabinet decisions.

Bengaluru-based IT giant Wipro Technologies has bagged the contract for works that would cost about `615 crore as part of the project. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has been awarded the work of providing broadband connections, which would cost about `185 crore for five years.

The first phase of KSWAN was launched when B S Yeddyurappa was the chief minister in 2009.

The upgraded KSWAN would help achieve high speed transfer of data, speedy decision making and thus help in enhancing the efficiency of administration and delivery of services of various government departments to citizens. It would make the administration more responsive, Jayachandra said.

The e-governance project provides a highly ‘reliable, robust and secure’ communication corridor for the government at all levels - state, district and taluks - covering 10,000 offices. Apart from data, it would provide voice and video services as well, he added.

The cabinet has decided to reappoint 38 anganwadi workers and assistants who had lost their jobs after they were elected to gram panchayats in various districts. Following the end of their term, the decision has been taken to reinstate them in their jobs, said Jayachandra.