The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) General Studies Paper 4, often referred to as GS 4, is a significant component of the Civil Services Examination in India. This paper focuses on ethics, integrity, and aptitude, aiming to assess candidates’ ethical and moral reasoning, decision-making abilities, and their understanding of governance-related issues. The 2022 GS 4 Solved Question Paper serves as a crucial resource for aspirants, providing insights into the exam’s structure, the type of questions asked, and exemplary answers. Through a comprehensive analysis of this paper, candidates can refine their preparation strategies, enhance their ethical understanding, and cultivate the aptitude necessary for serving the nation with integrity and excellence in administrative roles.
Q: What do you understand by the term ‘good governance’? How far have recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
ANSWER
Good governance is a concept that refers to the effective, efficient, transparent, and accountable management of public affairs by the government. It involves a set of principles and practices that promote the rule of law, participation, responsiveness, equity, and inclusiveness. Good governance is essential for promoting economic growth, social development, and political stability.
E-governance is the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by the government to deliver public services, information, and transactions to citizens. E-governance initiatives aim to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of government services and processes.
Recent initiatives in terms of e-governance have helped beneficiaries in several ways. For instance, the Digital India program launched by the Government of India aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The program includes various initiatives such as the National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN), which aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to over 250,000 Gram Panchayats (village councils) in India.
Another example of an e-governance initiative is the e-Kranti program, which aims to transform government service delivery using ICTs. Under this program, several e-governance initiatives have been launched, such as the e-Biz portal, which provides a one-stop-shop for all business-related services, and the National Scholarship Portal, which streamlines the process of scholarship applications and disbursements to students.
These initiatives have helped beneficiaries in several ways. For instance, the use of online platforms has made government services more accessible and convenient for citizens, especially those living in remote areas. It has also reduced the need for physical visits to government offices, saving time and effort for citizens.
Moreover, e-governance initiatives have also increased the transparency and accountability of government processes. The use of online platforms has reduced the scope for corruption and enabled citizens to track the progress of their applications and transactions.
Hence, e-governance initiatives have helped beneficiaries in several ways, such as increasing accessibility, reducing corruption, and improving transparency and accountability. However, there is still scope for improvement in terms of the reach and effectiveness of these initiatives. The government must continue to invest in ICT infrastructure, capacity building, and awareness programs to ensure that e-governance initiatives benefit all citizens, especially those from marginalized and remote areas.
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