Mains Daily Question
Sept. 12, 2023
Q2. How can e-governance initiatives positively impact the quality of public service delivery in India? Also, highlight the limitations of such initiatives. (10 Marks)
Approach:
Introduction: Define e-Governance.
Body: Explain how e-governance positively impacts the quality of public service delivery. Highlight the limitations.
Conclusion: Conclude on a positive note by telling what needs to be done.
Answer:
E-governance is the use of ICT in the management of affairs of the government and its interaction & engagement with citizens to achieve SMART (Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive & Transparent) governance.
It can enhance the quality of public service delivery in the following ways:
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E-Governance Initiatives |
Positive Impact of e-governance on public service delivery. |
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Government to Citizens (G2C) |
Government to Business (G2B) |
Government to Government (G2G) |
|
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Ration Cards at Common Service Centres |
Improves Ease of Doing Business |
Project Smart - Governance in Andhra Pradesh led to automatic workflow in the Secretariat. |
1. Fast, convenient and cost-effective delivery |
|
RTI led to empowerment and participation in Governance |
Fair Access to Resources E.g., e-bidding |
Prevents corruption |
2. Citizen Access to Information |
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Income Tax portal |
GST compliance |
Improves revenue |
3. Facilitates general compliance |
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Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) by linking with Aadhaar |
Start-Up India portal |
Achieving the goal of a welfare state |
4. Access to benefits from welfare schemes |
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Active users through decentralization e.g., e-kiosks |
Qualitative Decision Making |
Bridges the gap between government and citizens through efficient planning |
5. Big Data Generation |
Limitations to such initiatives:
- Front End – User Specific Limitations:
- Low rate of literacy.
- Low broadband penetration.
- Lack of adequate power supply hinders last-mile connectivity.
- Interfaces are not user-friendly.
- Lack of awareness regarding benefits.
- Back End – Technical Challenges
- Cyber security and data privacy concerns.
- Lack of interoperability at organizational and technical levels.
- Resistance to change in public organizations.
- Poor implementation.
Thus, certain reforms are needed to improve e-governance which is now becoming a sine qua non to make people active partners in development. The recommendations of the 2nd ARC like the development of a national e-governance enterprise network/architecture framework, establishment of knowledge management systems etc. should be implemented
