Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
E-governance, leveraging Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), aims to transform relationships with citizens, businesses, and government itself. It promises enhanced effectiveness in public service delivery, greater transparency in governmental operations, and increased accountability of public officials. The Digital India initiative (launched in 2015) exemplifies the government’s commitment to this paradigm shift. However, despite significant progress, the full potential of e-governance remains unrealized due to several persistent inadequacies that hamper the enhancement of its core features – effectiveness, transparency, and accountability.
Inadequacies Hampering E-governance
While e-governance holds immense promise, several factors impede its effectiveness, transparency, and accountability:
1. Digital Divide & Infrastructure Deficiencies
- Access Inequality: A significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas and among marginalized communities, lacks access to internet connectivity and digital devices. According to the National Sample Survey (NSS) 75th round (2017-18), only 24% of rural households had internet access.
- Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate power supply, limited bandwidth, and lack of reliable internet infrastructure in many parts of the country hinder the smooth functioning of e-governance initiatives.
- Language Barrier: Most e-governance platforms are primarily available in English and Hindi, excluding a large segment of the population who are more comfortable with regional languages.
2. Lack of Digital Literacy & Awareness
- Skill Gap: A substantial portion of the population lacks the necessary digital skills to effectively utilize e-governance services. The Digital Literacy Mission aims to address this, but progress remains slow.
- Awareness Deficit: Many citizens are unaware of the available e-governance services and their benefits.
3. Data Security & Privacy Concerns
- Cybersecurity Threats: E-governance systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and hacking, compromising sensitive citizen data. The recent AIIMS ransomware attack (December 2022) highlights this vulnerability.
- Data Privacy: The absence of a robust data protection framework (The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, is a recent step) raises concerns about the misuse of citizen data.
4. Institutional & Organizational Challenges
- Siloed Departments: Lack of inter-departmental coordination and data sharing hinders the integration of e-governance services.
- Resistance to Change: Bureaucratic inertia and resistance to adopting new technologies among government officials can slow down the implementation of e-governance initiatives.
- Lack of Standardization: Absence of standardized data formats and protocols makes it difficult to integrate different e-governance systems.
5. Authentication & Identity Management Issues
- Aadhaar Concerns: While Aadhaar has been instrumental in establishing a unique identity for citizens, concerns regarding data security, privacy, and exclusion persist.
- Authentication Failures: Technical glitches and authentication failures can prevent citizens from accessing essential services.
| Feature of E-governance | Inadequacy | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Digital Divide, Infrastructure Deficiencies | Limited reach, slow service delivery |
| Transparency | Lack of Standardization, Siloed Departments | Difficulty in tracking processes, limited access to information |
| Accountability | Data Security Concerns, Resistance to Change | Difficulty in identifying responsible parties, lack of redressal mechanisms |
Conclusion
E-governance remains a powerful tool for good governance, but its potential is constrained by the inadequacies outlined above. Addressing the digital divide through infrastructure development and digital literacy programs is paramount. Strengthening data security frameworks, promoting inter-departmental coordination, and fostering a culture of innovation within the bureaucracy are also crucial. A holistic and citizen-centric approach, coupled with continuous monitoring and evaluation, is essential to unlock the full benefits of e-governance and ensure its effectiveness, transparency, and accountability.
Answer Length
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