Introduction:
E-governance, employing information and communication technology (ICT), revolutionizes the delivery of government services, facilitates transactions, and streamlines interactions across the government system, promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Body:
E-Governance Contributions:
Effectiveness:
- One-Stop Portals: Comprehensive platforms like the UMANG app simplify citizen-government interactions by offering over 1200 services, reducing the need for multiple visits.
- Paperless Transactions: The e-office initiative minimizes manual handling, conserving resources and enhancing efficiency.
- Speedy Processes: Initiatives like the Seva project in Andhra Pradesh reduce delays in providing information and services.
- Online Taxation: Platforms like Income Tax India e-filing simplify tax processes, reduce paperwork, and expedite tax return processing.
- Telemedicine: E-Sanjeevani supports remote consultations, improving healthcare access, especially in remote areas.
Transparency:
- Real-Time Information: Platforms like “MERIT India” offer real-time insights into the electricity market, fostering trust through open data dissemination.
- Public Procurement: Government e-Marketplace (GeM) ensures transparency in public procurement, reducing corruption and ensuring fair market practices.
- RTI Online: Digitization of the Right to Information (RTI) application process enhances transparency and fosters open dialogue between the government and citizens.
- Open Data Initiatives: Public access to government datasets encourages data-driven decision-making and a transparent government system.
Accountability:
- Grievance Redressal Platforms: Digital platforms like CPGRAMS ensure government accountability by offering a structured system for lodging and monitoring complaints.
- Digital Attendance: Systems like the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) promote accountability in government employees’ punctuality.
- Social Audits: E-Governance facilitates social audits, holding authorities accountable for their actions.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Tools like PRAGATI centralize monitoring, ensuring agencies are accountable and projects are timely implemented.
Challenges:
- Digital Divide: Urban areas have better internet access (44%) than rural areas (17%), creating disparities in e-governance accessibility.
- Cybersecurity Concerns: Frequent cyber-attacks, as seen in the 2021 Air India data breach, raise doubts about data security in e-governance platforms.
- Privacy Concerns: The large-scale collection of personal data, especially through Aadhar, sparks privacy concerns, necessitating robust data protection laws.
- Complex User Interface: Some platforms suffer from user-unfriendly designs, causing usability challenges, particularly for the elderly.
- Limited Interoperability: Limited interoperability slows down processes, requiring users to submit the same data on multiple platforms.
- Inefficient Backend Administration: Outdated backend processes reduce the efficiency of services, creating bottlenecks in service delivery.
- Low Infrastructure Connectivity: Mobile tower connectivity is lacking in Naxal districts, hindering accessibility.
- Language Barrier: The limited availability of e-governance services in vernacular languages restricts usability.
Strategies for Improvement:
- Digital Literacy: Promote digital literacy through grassroots campaigns and introduce it as a compulsory subject in school curricula.
- Cybersecurity Measures: Establish a multi-tier cybersecurity framework and a national cybersecurity hotline for immediate assistance.
- Infrastructure Development: Bridge the digital divide through infrastructure development, including community internet centers in rural areas.
- Multilingual Platforms: Develop multilingual e-governance platforms with voice-assisted services for inclusivity.
- Backend Digitization: Use AI and machine learning to automate tasks and improve the efficiency of service delivery.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: Innovate with user-friendly interfaces, video tutorials, and 24/7 helpline services.
- Interoperable Systems: Facilitate data exchange by creating a universal digital ID for citizens.
- Quick Redressal Mechanisms: Establish quick redressal mechanisms using AI for prompt identification and resolution.
- Training Programs: Design regular training programs for government personnel to enhance their efficiency.
Conclusion:
E-governance has transformed government operations, but addressing challenges and implementing innovative strategies can deepen its impact, fostering a governance model that is inclusive, secure, and truly representative of the people.
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