Central Secretariat Library (CSL), Ministry of Culture
Project Overview
The Central Secretariat Library (CSL), operating under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, engaged Net Creative Mind Solutions Pvt. Ltd. through National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) to design, develop, and maintain a modern and compliant version of its official website.
As one of the oldest and largest government libraries in India, CSL required a digital presence that could effectively serve as an information gateway for government officials, academicians, researchers, and the general public. The goal was to transform the existing website into a user-centric, responsive, and standards-compliant platform that aligns with the evolving expectations of digital governance and public service delivery.
The project scope included end-to-end delivery: from requirements gathering and UI/UX design to development, testing, security audits, hosting support, and post-deployment maintenance. A strong emphasis was placed on ensuring compliance with the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW), cybersecurity standards mandated by CERT-IN, and structured content management to enable CSL staff to update the site independently.
Additionally, the website was to be hosted on NIC infrastructure, requiring clearance through NIC Cyber Security Division’s hosting protocol, further underlining the importance of secure and scalable architecture.
By modernizing its web presence, CSL aimed to enhance the accessibility and visibility of its resources and services, promote transparency, and enable more efficient communication with its diverse user base—all while maintaining compliance with government digital policy frameworks.
Key Features
- The project includes complete redesign and development of the Central Secretariat Library’s official website under NICSI's approved work order.
- The scope covers the preparation of a User Requirement Specification (URS) to define technical and functional expectations.
- A responsive, mobile-friendly layout is to be developed as per Government of India Website Guidelines (GIGW).
- The website must be fully compliant with GIGW standards for accessibility, usability, and multilingual support.
- A dynamic Content Management System (CMS) is to be implemented to allow library staff to update and manage content independently.
- Integration of high-quality user interface design and page layouts is required for enhanced visual usability.
- The completed website must pass a CERT-IN Security Audit to ensure cybersecurity readiness prior to deployment.
- The website must also clear a Website Guidelines Compliance Audit to validate adherence to GIGW norms.
- Hosting of the website must comply with NIC/NICSI infrastructure requirements, including pre-hosting audit by NIC Cyber Security Division.
- The work order includes one year of free maintenance support to ensure operational stability after go-live.
- Optional AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) is provisioned beyond the first year to ensure long-term support if needed.
- The project is subject to NICSI’s approved costing structure, delivery terms, and documentation requirements.
- Delivery timelines, audit completion, and compliance are governed by a penalty clause ensuring adherence to project milestones.
- All work is to be executed under NICSI’s web development framework, with structured effort allocation and quality control.
Technologies and Tools
Backend
Java / PHP / ASP / .NET
Front-End Technologies
HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript
Security
SSL/TLS protocols and CERT-IN–empanelled Security
Accessibility Compliance
WCAG standards and GIGW
Infrastructure
NIC/NICSI Data Centre protocols
Testing & Validation
GIGW audit, security audit, and UAT
Improve Efficiency
Real-time governance and data driven decision making.
Citizen-Centric
Enhanced transparency and accountability.
Performance Tracking
Custom KPIs and departmental monitoring.
Certified Solution
CERT-IN compliant and safe-to-host certified.
- Successfully delivered a modern, government-compliant website for the Central Secretariat Library as per NICSI work order.
- Achieved full compliance with Government of India Website Guidelines (GIGW), ensuring accessibility and usability across devices.
- Strengthened CSL’s digital presence with a user-friendly and mobile-responsive platform.
- Enabled CSL staff to manage and update content independently via an integrated content management system.
- Ensured data security and hosting readiness by clearing a CERT-IN empanelled Security Audit.
- Fulfilled mandatory Website Guidelines Compliance Audit to validate adherence to central web governance norms.
- Deployed the website in line with NIC hosting policies, including clearance from NIC Cyber Security Division.
- Supported long-term service continuity through structured post-launch maintenance and optional AMC.
- Improved public access to library information and services through a well-organized, search-friendly platform
- Reinforced the organization's reputation for transparency and service delivery through a standards-aligned digital asset.
