Describe the challenges encountered with putting India’s numerous e-governance programs into practice. What actions are necessary to deal with these?
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
- Digital Divide:
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. - Cybersecurity Concerns:
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. - Privacy Concerns:
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. - Complex User Interface:
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. - Limited Interoperability:
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. - Inefficient Backend Administration:
Outdated backend processes in some government offices, such as manual data entry, create bottlenecks that diminish service efficiency.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. - Low Infrastructure Connectivity:
Poor mobile tower connectivity in regions, particularly in Naxal-affected districts, limits access to e-governance services, exacerbating disparities in service delivery. - Language Barrier:
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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The Government of India is implementing various e-governance initiatives under four models of e- governance i.e. Government to Citizen, Government to Government, Government to business, and Government to employees. The Government launched the Digital India Campaign under which various initiatives liRead more
The Government of India is implementing various e-governance initiatives under four models of e- governance i.e. Government to Citizen, Government to Government, Government to business, and Government to employees. The Government launched the Digital India Campaign under which various initiatives like NeGP, MyGov.in, e-Sampark, Digital Locker are being undertaken. However, implementation of these initiatives faces various obstacles, such as:
Social and economic obstacles
Technical obstacles
Steps needed to address the above obstacles
The main aim of e-governance is ‘ease of governance’ leading to ‘ease of living’ of people. There is need to build a congenial environment for successful implementation of e-governance initiatives. This can be achieved by displaying a will to change within government by political support at the highest level and incentivizing e-governance along with the steps mentioned above.
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