In this post, notes of “Unit 4: Technology and Public Administration in India” from “DSC 10: Public Administration in India” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.
“Technology and Public Administration in India,” focusing on E-Governance.
1. What is E-Governance?
E-Governance means using technology to make government services better, more open, and easier for people to take part in. It helps deliver services faster, reduce cheating, and hold the government accountable.
Main Goals of E-Governance in India:
– Make government work better and more open.
– Offer services focused on the needs of citizens.
– Cut down on delays and corruption in government processes.
– Ensure everyone has access to technology.
– Use real-time data to improve how policies are carried out.
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2. Early Steps in E-Governance
National Informatics Centre (NIC) and Early Computer Use
– The NIC was set up in 1976 to help the government use technology.
– In the 1980s, the government began to digitize its records and processes.
Projects from the 1980s and 1990s:
– NICNET (1987) – A nationwide network linking government offices.
– DISNIC (1988) – A project for computerizing data at the district level.
– Railway Reservation System (1986) – One of the first big e-Governance projects in India.
– Digital Land Records in states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
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3. Development of E-Governance Policies
National E-Governance Plan (NeGP) 2006
– Launched to create a clear plan for e-Governance.
– Included important projects like Passport Services and Land Records updates.
Key Policies:
– IT Act, 2000 – Rules for online transactions and safety.
– Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 – Promotes openness in government.
– Aadhaar (2010) – A digital ID system for easier access to government services.
– National Cyber Security Policy (2013) – Aims to protect digital systems.
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4. Important Achievements in E-Governance
State-Level Projects:
– Bhoomi Project (Karnataka, 2000) – Digital land records to cut corruption.
– e-Seva (Andhra Pradesh, 2001) – A digital service center for citizens.
– Gyandoot (Madhya Pradesh, 2000) – An online system for rural services.
National Level Projects:
– MCA21 (2006) – Easier company registration process.
– Passport Seva Project (2010) – Online passport applications and tracking.
– Aadhaar (2010) – A unique ID system for digital services.
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5. Current Trends and Future Plans
Digital India Programme (2015)
A major plan to:
– Provide e-Government services to everyone.
– Improve internet access in rural areas.
– Empower people through technology.
New Technologies in E-Governance:
– Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Used in services like crime prediction and resolving citizen complaints.
– Blockchain – Increases transparency in land records, voting, and supply chains.
– Big Data Analytics – Helps in making policies, tracking health issues, and managing disasters.
“Models of E-Governance: Case-Study of Digital India Mission”
1. Models of E-Governance
E-Governance models show how technology helps the government interact with people and businesses.
Government to Citizen (G2C) – Services and Engagement
– Direct online interaction between the government and citizens.
– Examples:
– DigiLocker – Safe online storage for documents.
– UMANG App – One app for all government services.
– Passport Seva Kendra – Online passport application.
Government to Business (G2B) – Facilitation and Transactions
– Improving business processes through online services.
– Examples:
– MCA21 – Online business filings.
– GeM (Government e-Marketplace) – Online shopping for government needs.
– GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network) – Unified tax system.
Government to Government (G2G) – Coordination and Efficiency
– Technology helps communication between government offices.
– Examples:
– CCTNS – Links police databases.
– SWANs – Secure communication for state governments.
– e-Office – Digital system for government work.
Government to Employee (G2E) – Employee Services and Management
– Online services for government employees to make work easier.
– Examples:
– SPARROW – Online performance reviews for civil servants.
– GPF Portals – Online access to provident fund information.
– HRMS – Manages payroll and employee records.
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2. Digital India Mission: Overview
Vision and Objectives
Started in 2015, Digital India aims to make India a digitally advanced society by:
– Providing digital services to everyone.
– Offering government services online to improve efficiency.
– Helping people get digital skills and internet access.
Pillars of Digital India
1. Infrastructure as a Utility
– BharatNet: Internet access in rural areas.
– Mobile service for everyone.
– Universal digital identity (Aadhaar).
2. Governance & Services on Demand
– e-Kranti: Digital public services.
– Paperless government (e-Office, DigiLocker).
3. Digital Empowerment of Citizens
– Programs to teach digital skills.
– Content available in Indian languages.
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3. Key Initiatives under Digital India
BharatNet: Nationwide Broadband Connectivity
– Aims to give high-speed internet to rural areas using fiber optics.
– Connects 2.5 lakh gram panchayats to reduce the urban-rural digital gap.
DigiLocker: Digital Storage of Documents
– Safe online platform for keeping Aadhaar, PAN, driving licenses, and certificates.
– Reduces the need for physical papers.
e-Kranti: Electronic Delivery of Services
– Focuses on combined digital services in areas like education and healthcare.
– Includes e-Hospital (online medical services) and e-Education (online learning platforms).
UMANG App: Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance
– One app for accessing many government services like Aadhaar and PAN.
– Available in different Indian languages.
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4. Impact and Challenges of Digital India
Socio-Economic Impact
1. Digital Inclusion
– More people in rural areas have internet access.
– Growth of Common Service Centres (CSCs) for e-Governance services.
2. Empowerment
– e-Governance has made services more open and accountable.
– Women and rural entrepreneurs benefit from digital financial services.
3. Economic Growth
– Growth in digital payment systems (UPI, BHIM).
– Increase in startups in finance and online shopping.
Implementation Challenges
1. Digital Divide
– Rural areas still have limited internet access and digital skills.
2. Infrastructure Issues
– Poor power supply and slow internet growth in remote areas.
3. Cybersecurity Concerns
– Increased cyber threats and data breaches due to more online activities.
– Need for better data protection laws.
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5. Case Studies and Success Stories
e-District Projects: Improved Public Service Delivery
– Launched in many states to offer online certificates (income, caste, birth/death).
– Reduced delays and improved efficiency.
Common Services Centres (CSCs): Bridging the Digital Divide
– Over 5 lakh CSCs set up in rural India.
– Provide services like banking, telemedicine, and digital training.
– Help small businesses and farmers access government help.
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Conclusion
The Digital India Mission has greatly changed public services through e-Governance, making them more efficient and transparent. However, problems like the digital divide, infrastructure issues, and cybersecurity need to be solved for better and fair digital governance.