GS PAPER Polity, Governance and IR 2023 Question 8

8. e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features? 10

E-governance is the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide government services and information to citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders. E-governance can enhance the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of governance by improving the delivery, access, and participation of various actors in the public sector. However, there are some inadequacies that hamper the enhancement of these features, such as:

• • Technical issues: Security, privacy, and reliability of internet transactions are major concerns for e-governance, as they can affect the trust and confidence of the users. Moreover, interoperability and integration of different systems and platforms are also challenging for e-governance, as they require standardization and coordination among various agencies and departments¹.
  • Economic issues: Cost, funding, and sustainability of e-governance operations and services are also critical for their enhancement. Implementing and maintaining e-governance requires adequate resources, infrastructure, and human capital, which may not be available or affordable for many governments, especially in developing countries².
  • Social issues: Accessibility, awareness, and literacy of e-governance are also important factors that influence its enhancement. Many people in rural areas or marginalized groups may not have access to or awareness of e-governance due to language barriers, insufficient infrastructure, digital divide, or social norms. Moreover, many people may not have the necessary skills or knowledge to use e-governance effectively or efficiently³.

Therefore, to enhance the features of e-governance, such as effectiveness, transparency, and accountability, these inadequacies need to be addressed and overcome by adopting appropriate policies, strategies, and measures that can ensure the quality, security, affordability, inclusiveness, and usability of e-governance.