Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Definition of E-Governance: Briefly explain what e-governance is and its objectives. Importance: State its role in enhancing effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance. 2. Body A. Effectiveness of E-Governance One-Stop Portals: Mention platforms like the UMANG app offering over 1200 ...
Transparency and Accountability: Complementary Aspects 1. Transparency: It involves openness and clarity in operations, decisions, and processes. By making information accessible, transparency allows the public to be aware of governmental actions, policies, and decisions. This reduces corruption andRead more
Transparency and Accountability: Complementary Aspects
1. Transparency: It involves openness and clarity in operations, decisions, and processes. By making information accessible, transparency allows the public to be aware of governmental actions, policies, and decisions. This reduces corruption and promotes public trust.
2. Accountability: It refers to the obligation of individuals and organizations to answer for their actions and be held responsible for any misconduct. Accountability ensures that entities operate within the established norms and are answerable to their stakeholders for their decisions and performance.
3. Complementary Relationship: Transparency lays the groundwork for accountability by providing the necessary information for scrutiny. Without transparency, accountability cannot be effectively enforced as stakeholders lack the information required to question or evaluate actions.
4. Examples: Right to Information (RTI) Act in India enhances transparency, facilitating greater accountability in government operations by enabling public scrutiny.
Conclusion: Transparency and accountability are interdependent; transparency facilitates accountability by providing essential information, while accountability ensures that transparency is upheld and misuses are addressed. Together, they foster a more open and responsible governance system.
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Model Answer Introduction E-governance, the application of information and communication technology (ICT) in delivering government services, has significantly improved effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance. However, several inadequacies hinder the full realization of these beRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
E-governance, the application of information and communication technology (ICT) in delivering government services, has significantly improved effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance. However, several inadequacies hinder the full realization of these benefits.
Inadequacies Hampering E-Governance Development
The disparity in internet access remains a significant barrier. According to the India Development Review, internet access in urban areas is about 44%, compared to only 17% in rural regions. This digital divide limits the reach of e-governance services, particularly in underserved areas.
The rise in cyber-attacks undermines the security of sensitive data. A notable case is the 2021 Air India data breach, which affected 4.5 million customers globally, raising concerns about the adequacy of cybersecurity measures in e-governance platforms.
The extensive collection of personal data through platforms like Aadhaar has sparked debates over potential privacy violations. Various Supreme Court hearings have highlighted the need for robust data protection laws to safeguard citizens’ information.
Many e-governance platforms have user-unfriendly designs, which can alienate users, especially the elderly. The initial version of the Aarogya Setu app faced criticism for its complex interface, necessitating updates to improve usability.
A lack of interoperability among different governmental platforms hampers the seamless exchange of information. This results in users having to repeatedly submit the same data across multiple systems, slowing down processes.
Outdated backend processes in some government offices, such as manual data entry, create bottlenecks that diminish service efficiency. This inefficiency can delay service delivery and frustrate users.
Poor mobile tower connectivity in regions, particularly in Naxal-affected districts, limits access to e-governance services, exacerbating disparities in service delivery.
The limited availability of e-governance services in vernacular languages restricts access for non-English speaking individuals, making it challenging for them to utilize these services effectively.
Conclusion
While e-governance has transformed governmental operations, addressing existing inadequacies is crucial for enhancing its impact. By implementing inclusive, innovative, and secure strategies, we can create a governance model that truly serves all citizens effectively and transparently.
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