E-GOVERNANCE
Published on 31 Jan 2025
E-Governance, according to the 2nd Administrative Reform Commission (ARC) Report, is primarily related to carrying out governance tasks and achieving governance outcomes through the use of ICT (information and communication technology). It can serve a variety of different ends such as better delivery of government services, improved interactions, citizen empowerment and more efficient government management.
Factors Pushing India towards E-Governance
Increasing Internet Penetration: The rapid growth in internet penetration and smartphone usage across the country has made it feasible to deliver government services and information digitally to a wider population.
Example: According to a Nokia report, average data consumption per user in India reached 19.5GB per user a month in 2022.
Digital India Initiative: This comprehensive program aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and has driven various initiatives to ensure that government services are available to citizens electronically.
Example: Success of Digital India mission and e-Kranti help millions connect online and Digital India programme is providing broadband internet to 250,000gram panchayats.
Cost Savings and Resource Efficiency: Transitioning to e-governance reduces paperwork and enhances resource efficiency, thus reducing administrative burdens and optimising service delivery.
Example: The digitization of land records in states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh has led to a reduction in land-related disputes and frauds, saving resources and time.
Improved Service Delivery: E-governance ensures prompt service delivery, which enhances the overall experience of citizens interacting with government departments.
Example: The Passport Seva Kendra project significantly improved passport issuance services, leading to reduced processing times and increased accessibility for citizens.
Technological Advancements and Innovation: The availability of advanced technology, digital tools, and innovation has made it feasible to create user-friendly, secure, and scalable e-governance solutions.
Example: Initiatives like SWAYAM and DIKSHA have leveraged technological advancements to offer high-quality e-learning and educational resources.
COVID-19 Pandemic Acceleration: The pandemic necessitated a shift towards digital platforms, accelerating the adoption of e-governance to ensure uninterrupted services and promote contactless interactions.
Example: The Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) enabled safe and contactless financial transactions, catering to social distancing norms during the pandemic.
Growing Mobile and App Usage: With the rise in mobile usage and smartphone applications, there is a vast potential for reaching citizens with government services through mobile apps and accessible digital platforms.
Example: India has over 700 million smartphone users and a rapidly growing mobile app ecosystem and is likely to have 900 million active internet users by 2025.
Citizen Empowerment and Inclusivity: E-governance ensures equal and inclusive access to government services, empowering citizens through transparent, convenient information and service delivery.
Example: Initiatives like Mahila e-Haat empower women entrepreneurs to sell their products and services online, contributing to financial inclusivity and economic empowerment for women.
Efficiency and Transparency: The introduction of digital payment gateways and e-filing services resulted in significant reductions in the time taken to process transactions and services.
Example: Initiatives like e-District and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) have streamlined processes, enabled faster service delivery and increased transparency in procurement.
Global Competitiveness: Embracing e-governance aligns with the global trend of technological advancement and innovation, placing India as a competitive player in the global digital landscape.
Role of E-Governance in Bringing Transparency and Accountability
Information Accessibility: E-Governance facilitates public access to government policies, procedures, and decisions, fostering transparency and enabling citizens to comprehend governance processes.
Example: The RTI Online portal facilitates the filing of RTI applications and appeals online, enhancing transparency in government functioning.
Open Government Data: It means publishing government information in its entirety, such as government budgets, spending records, health-care measures, climate records and agricultural produce statistics etc.
Example: Through MC21 data, corporates and other stakeholders will have convenient and secure online access to all registry-related services provided by the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Citizen Engagement: E-Governance fosters citizen engagement via digital platforms, enabling feedback, expressing concerns, and engaging in decision-making processes, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Example: DigiSevak platform connects interested citizens with the government to volunteer for various Digital India activities by Ministries and agencies of government.
Reducing Corruption: Digitalization helps in reducing corruption by minimizing human intervention and making processes more automated and traceable.
Example: Linking AADHAR with MGNREGA daily wage payments helped to eliminate bogus beneficiaries and reduce corruption.
Efficiency and Effectiveness: E-Governance leads to a reduction in bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies, resulting in better service delivery, which in turn supports transparency and accountability.
Example: Goods and Services Tax Network serves as the IT backbone of the GST where it integrates multiple stakeholders, making tax filing and compliance processes more transparent and efficient.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Electronic systems facilitate continuous real-time monitoring and evaluation of government initiatives, ensuring regular scrutiny and swift adjustments, thereby boosting accountability.
Example: DARPAN is an online tool that can be used to monitor and analyse the implementation of critical and high-priority projects of the State.
Digital Identity and Authentication: It can implement robust digital identity systems, enabling secure authentication, reducing fraud and enhancing accountability in transactions and interactions with government.
Example: Public Financial Management System is an online platform for tracking fund disbursement and utilization under centrally-sponsored schemes by providing real-time information on fund flow.
Compliance and Regulatory Oversight: E-Governance can streamline compliance processes, making it easier for citizens and businesses to adhere to regulations.
Example: Computerisation of Land Records ensures that landowners get digital and updated copies of documents relating to their property.
Significance of Social Media in Governance
Transparency and Accountability: Social media platforms allow government agencies to share information and updates with the public in real time which promotes accountability.
Example: Government agencies, such as health departments, use social media to provide real-time updates on COVID-19 cases, ensuring citizens have access to accurate and timely information.
Direct Communication: Government officials can engage directly with the public through social media, enabling them to address concerns, respond to queries, and gather feedback more efficiently.
Example: Elected officials regularly interact with constituents on platforms like Twitter, responding to questions, sharing legislative updates, and addressing concerns directly.
Citizen Engagement: Social media provides a platform for citizens to voice their opinions, concerns, and suggestions. It encourages civic engagement and participation in the democratic process.
Example: "MyGov" initiative encourages citizens to participate in governance by submitting ideas, suggestions, and feedback on various policy matters through online portals and social media channels.
Crisis Management: During emergencies or crises, social media can be used to disseminate crucial information rapidly, coordinate relief efforts, and reassure the public.
Example: During natural disasters, emergency services and government agencies use social media to provide evacuation instructions, share emergency contacts, and coordinate rescue efforts.
Policy Formation: Governments can use social media to solicit input on policies, gather public opinions, and conduct surveys to make more informed decisions.
Example: The Australian government used social media to collect public feedback on its Digital Economy Strategy, allowing citizens to shape the country's digital future.
Promotion of Initiatives: Social media is an effective tool for promoting government initiatives, campaigns, and public services, reaching a wider audience at a lower cost.
Example: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services uses social media to promote public health initiatives, such as flu vaccination campaigns and mental health awareness programs.
Global Outreach: Governments can engage with the international community, fostering diplomacy and cross-border cooperation, and promoting their country on a global scale.
Example: Twitter account of the United Nations (@UN) engages with global leaders, organizations, and the public to discuss and promote international issues like climate change and human rights.
Monitoring and Feedback: Social media can serve as a tool for monitoring public sentiment and feedback, helping governments adjust their strategies and policies accordingly.
Example: The Indian government leverages social media to endorse Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, urging civic participation in cleanliness efforts, and fostering awareness.
Youth Engagement: Social media platforms are particularly popular among younger demographics, making it easier for governments to engage with the youth and address their unique concerns.
Example: Political parties and leaders often use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to connect with younger voters, making politics more accessible and engaging to the youth.
Data Collection and Analysis: Data from social media can be analysed to gain insights into public opinion, trends, and issues, aiding in evidence-based decision-making.
Example: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana uses social media to reach underbanked populations, promoting the benefits of opening bank accounts and providing information on financial services.
Limitations of E-Governance
Digital Divide: It can exclude marginalized communities, rural areas, and individuals with limited resources from benefiting from e-governance initiatives, creating disparities in access to government services.
Example: According to India Inequality Report 2022 by Oxfam, only 31 per cent of the rural population uses the Internet as compared to 67 per cent of the urban population.
Cybersecurity Risks: Malware, hacking, data breaches, and other cyber-attacks pose significant risks to the security and privacy of information stored and transmitted electronically.
Example: Recently, the servers of Delhi AIIMS were compromised due to a ransomware cyber-attack.
Technological Infrastructure Challenges: Poor connectivity, unreliable power supply, and lack of necessary hardware and software can limit the effectiveness of digital services.
Example: The digital gap was evident during India's COVID-19 vaccine rollout, hindering some, especially in rural areas, due to tech limitations.
Privacy Concerns: Maintaining the privacy and security of this data while ensuring its proper use and protection against unauthorized access is a significant challenge.
Example: With the vast amount of personal data collected through initiatives like Aadhaar, there have been concerns about the privacy and security of this information.
Lack of Digital Literacy: Lack of digital literacy can prevent individuals from fully benefiting from e-governance services and can impact the quality of services provided.
Example: During the introduction of online banking and DBT systems, citizens in remote areas struggled to adapt to these digital systems due to their lack of familiarity with technology.
Integration Challenges: Government departments' use of different systems and databases hampers integration, creating inefficiencies and hindering e-governance initiatives due to lack of coordination.
Example: Farmers in remote areas faced difficulties participating in online procurement systems for their agricultural produce due to poor internet connectivity.
High Initial Costs: Implementing and maintaining e-governance systems can require significant initial investments in infrastructure, software, training, and cybersecurity measures.
Resistance to Change: Reluctance from government officials in adopting new technologies and changing traditional working methods can impede the successful implementation of e-governance initiatives.
Challenges in the Implementation of E-Governance
E-Governance leads to a lax administration: The service provider can easily provide excuses for not providing the service on technical grounds such as “server is down” or “internet is not working”, etc.
Legal and Regulatory Framework: Adapting laws and regulations to align with technological advancements and address issues such as data protection, cybersecurity, and digital rights is essential.
Example: Instances of data breaches in projects like Aadhaar in India raise concerns about the security of citizen data.
Capacity Building and Training: Inadequate training and capacity building for government officials act as a challenge to the successful execution of e-governance.
Example: Insufficient training in states like Uttar Pradesh or Bihar affects their ability to effectively manage and troubleshoot e-governance systems, hindering successful implementation.
Accessibility to services: In rural areas, language barriers and inadequate infrastructure prevent people from using e-governance.
Example: India is still a developing country and a vast majority of the citizens lack computer literacy which hinders the effectiveness of e-governance.
Local language: The e-governance applications must be written in the local language of the people so that they may be able to use and take advantage of these applications.
Example: According to the 2011 census, only 10% of Indians reported being able to speak some English, so to improve e-services government should translate this language into regional languages.
Service Quality: Ensuring consistent and high-quality service delivery, as well as accessibility for all citizens, regardless of geographical location or socio-economic status, is a challenge.
Example: In remote areas of North Eastern states like Arunachal Pradesh or Nagaland, inadequate internet infrastructure affects service accessibility.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: Inadequate technological infrastructure and lack of universal internet connectivity, especially in rural areas, can impede the successful implementation of e-governance projects.
E-governance awareness: Due to illiteracy, rural internet access, lack of intent to use internet services, etc., many people in the country are unaware of it.
Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from governments, policymakers, technology experts, and various stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies that mitigate these issues and drive the successful implementation of e-governance initiatives.
Major E-Governance Projects taken by the Government
For Governance
Right to Information (RTI) Act: The RTI Act enables citizens to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Data Protection and Privacy Laws: The Personal Data Protection Bill aims to regulate the processing of personal data by entities and the government, thus safeguarding citizen data and privacy.
Digital India Programme: It encompasses various e-governance initiatives aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
Example: Projects under this program include MyGov, UMANG, and DigiLocker.
e-District Project: Implemented by various states, it aims to deliver government services to citizens through Common Service Centers (CSCs), providing certificates, licenses, and other services online.
M-Governance Initiatives: Mobile governance initiatives include services accessible through mobile phones, allowing citizens to access various government services, receive updates, and participate in governance.
Information Technology Act, 2000: This act established legal frameworks for electronic governance, and recognized electronic records and digital signatures, thereby facilitating the growth of e-governance.
Open Data Initiatives: It involves making government data freely available to the public facilitating transparency, innovation, and economic growth by enabling citizens.
Example: Open Government Data Platform (data.gov.in) empowers citizens, researchers, and businesses to access government data for analysis and research that benefit society.
For Women
Mahila e-Haat: Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this online platform enables women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services.
One Stop Centre (OSC): These centres provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, including medical aid, police assistance, legal aid/counselling, and shelter.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): It leverages digital communication extensively to raise awareness about gender discrimination and promote the education of girls.
For Education
SWAYAM Portal: An e-learning platform that provides high-quality learning resources for various courses and subjects, offering online courses for free.
DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing): An initiative providing a digital platform for teachers to access e-content and engage in training programs.
National Scholarship Portal: A platform for students to access various government scholarships, providing a one-stop solution for all scholarship-related needs.
For Agriculture
eNAM: Launched under the Digital India initiative, eNAM connects and facilitates agricultural trade among states and helps farmers get better prices for their produce.
Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme: A web-based program that provides soil health cards to farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions about crop selection and appropriate use of fertilizers.
Kisan Suvidha App: An app that provides farmers with information on weather, market prices, agricultural machinery, expert advice, and more.
These e-governance initiatives have significantly impacted their respective sectors, facilitating accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in delivering services to citizens and contributing to the overall development and empowerment of women, improvement in agriculture, better governance, and the advancement of education in India.
Recommendations of 2nd ARC on E-Governance
Building a Congenial Environment: Building a congenial environment is a sine-qua-non for the successful implementation of e-Governance initiatives.
Business Process Re-engineering: Governmental forms, processes and structures should be redesigned to make them adaptable to e-governance, backed by procedural, institutional and legal changes.
Capacity Building Awareness: Capacity building efforts must attend to both organisational capacity building and skills up gradation of individuals associated with the implementation of e-Governance projects.
Developing Technological Solutions: Develop a national e-governance ‘enterprise architecture’ framework as has been done in some countries.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitoring of e-Governance projects should be done in the manner in which project monitoring is done for large infrastructure projects.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP): The private partner should be selected through a transparent process and the roles and responsibilities of government as well as the private partner should be clearly laid.
Mission Mode Project on Computerisation of Land Records: Surveys and measurements need to be carried out in a mission mode utilising modern technology to arrive at a correct picture of land holdings, land parcels and rectification of outdated maps.
Knowledge Management: Union and State Governments should take proactive measures for establishing Knowledge Management systems as a pivotal step for administrative reforms in general and e-governance.
Way forward
Legal
Data Security and Privacy Measures: Strengthen cybersecurity frameworks and protocols to safeguard citizen data, ensuring strict compliance with data privacy laws and international standards.
Example: The Personal Data Protection Bill aims to regulate the processing of personal data, ensuring the protection and privacy of citizen's data in the digital space.
Regular Review and Update of Laws: Regularly review and update laws related to e-governance to keep pace with technological advancements.
Example: PRAGATI is a robust system for bringing e-transparency and e-accountability with real-time presence and exchange among the key stakeholders.
Administrative
Transparency and Accountability: This includes publishing reports, performance indicators, and outcomes of government initiatives.
Example: Websites such as RTI Online facilitate the filing of RTI requests electronically, promoting transparency by making government information accessible to citizens.
Streamlining Administrative Process: Implement methodologies that minimize bureaucratic hurdles and simplify procedures for citizens to access government services online.
Example: Initiatives like e-Hospital enable online appointments, online diagnostics, and digital health records, reducing paperwork and enhancing efficiency in the healthcare sector.
Citizen-Centric Approach: This involves simplifying interfaces, making services user-friendly, and incorporating citizen feedback.
Example: DigiLocker helps citizens digitally store important documents like mark sheets, PAN, etc, reduces the need for physical documents and facilitates easy sharing of documents.
Capacity Building and Training: Focus on training government officials and employees to effectively operate e-governance platforms and systems by upskilling and training programs.
Example: Digital India Programme includes initiatives to train government officials, aimed at building capacity and enhancing skills in managing digital governance initiatives.
Feedback Mechanisms: Establish robust feedback mechanisms to gather inputs from citizens on e-governance services and use this feedback for continuous improvement of service quality.
Example: The Digital India Portal facilitates citizen engagement and feedback by allowing citizens to provide suggestions, complaints, and feedback on government services.
Increased Digital Literacy: Implement programs to enhance digital literacy among citizens, ensuring they are capable of using digital platforms for availing e-governance services.
Institutional Approach
Establishment of Dedicated E-Governance Bodies: Forming specialized bodies or agencies at both central and state levels, to spearhead the development and implementation of e-governance initiatives.
Example: The National Informatics Centre (NIC) serves as the technology arm of the Indian government, providing e-governance support and implementing various digital initiatives.
Standardization and Interoperability: Enforcing standardized protocols and frameworks across government departments to ensure seamless integration and interoperability of e-governance systems.
Example: UMANG app provides a unified platform for accessing various government services, allowing interoperability and integration across different departments and services.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encouraging collaborations with private sector entities for technology expertise and innovative solutions in the development of e-governance projects.
Example: Schemes like the Common Service Centres (CSCs) involve private sector participation to extend digital services to citizens in rural areas.
Expansion of Digital Infrastructure: Invest in robust digital infrastructure and improve internet connectivity across rural and remote areas to ensure widespread access to e-governance services.
Example: The National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) takes a holistic view of e-Governance initiatives across the country, integrating them into a collective vision, a shared cause.
E-governance is gaining traction in India, yet addressing public awareness and the digital gap remains crucial. The effectiveness relies on internet availability. The upcoming nationwide 5G rollout will bolster our efforts.
Some State Level E-Governance Initiatives
FRIENDS (Kerala): It is a single-window facility to pay taxes and other financial dues to the State government.
Lokvani Project (Uttar Pradesh): It is a single-window solution relating to the handling of grievances; land record maintenance and providing a mixture of essential services.
Khajane Project (Karnataka): The project has resulted in the computerisation of the entire treasury-related activities of the State Government and the system has the ability to track every activity right from the approval of the State budget to the point of rendering accounts to the government.
e-Procurement Project in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat: To reduce the time and cost of doing business, to realise better value for money spent through increased competition and to standardise procurement processes across government departments, this project was started.