UNIT 4 PUB. AD.

- E GOVERNANCE
Governance refers to the system of rules, processes, and practices through which
decisions are made and implemented in an organization or country. It
encompasses the exercise of power and authority, the management of
resources, and the way society's life is organized and regulated.
It includes the functioning of the three organs of the government—legislature,
executive, and judiciary—as well as the participation of civil society and markets.
Earlier, governance was a bureaucratic function; now it's driven by Information
and Communication Technology (ICT). - made governance more transparent,
efficient, and accessible.
GOOD GOVERANCE
Good governance is a normative concept that refers to the ideal functioning of
governance mechanisms in a democratic, inclusive, transparent, and
accountable manner.
1. It is not limited to government action alone; it includes cooperation with
markets and civil society aiming for a collective problem solving
dismantling the wall.
2. Based on - network of interdependent institutions, creating what
scholars call a “power dependency relationship.” (Good governance is an
interactive process where the government wants to impose its will, but its
approval depends on the consensus of the other two actions)
3. Helps govt - take on economic, social, and global roles more effectively.
4. Principles - transparency, accountability, responsiveness, equity,
inclusiveness, rule of law, participation, and effectiveness, democratic.
Indian Constitution incorporates elements of good governance, such as:
Democratic participation, Transparency and accountability, Social justice
and welfare orientation.
5. Historical context: Kautilya's Arthashastra and Vedic ideals like Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam reflect early concepts of good governance.
E – GOVERNANCE
E-Governance refers to the application of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) in government operations with the goal of transforming
governance into a smart and efficient system.
It helps government institutions manage public resources better by enabling
faster data collection, processing, retrieval, and communication. The shift from
traditional to digital governance has made administrative systems more capable
and transparent.
Objectives of E-Governance
The main objectives of e-governance include
1. simplifying service delivery,
2. making governance participatory, and
3. bringing in transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.
It aims to be citizen centric by improving public interaction and making
administrative processes citizen-friendly.
As per the World Bank, e-governance involves the use of various digital tools—
WANs, internet, mobile devices, and computers—by government agencies.
These tools enhance interactions between government and citizens, businesses,
and other institutions, ultimately leading to:
1. Better public service delivery
2. Improved business-government interaction
3. Enhanced citizen empowerment through access to information
4. More efficient internal information management
Nature of E gov
E-Governance is not just about computers or websites; it is fundamentally
about delivering services and transforming governance. It moves beyond
digitalizing government work to fundamentally reengineering how government
functions—making it more transparent, participatory, and effective.
DIMENSIONS OF E GOVERNANCE
1. G2G – Government to Government
• Definition: Interaction and data exchange between government
departments, ministries, and agencies.
• Purpose: To increase efficiency, coordination, and productivity within
government systems.
 • Example: The Smart Government Project in Andhra Pradesh where paper
files were replaced by e-files for seamless monitoring.
2. G2C – Government to Citizen
• Definition: Direct services and communication from the government to
individual citizens.
• Purpose: To enhance accessibility, quality, and availability of public
services 24x7x365.
• Channels: Offices, service centers, cyber cafes, mobiles, emails, video
calls.
• Objective: Make governance citizen-centric, responsive, and convenient.
3. G2B – Government to Business
• Definition: Use of ICT tools to facilitate interaction between the
government and business community.
• Purpose: To streamline regulatory processes, such as online tenders,
licensing, taxation, and compliance.
• Goal: Encourage transparency and efficiency in economic dealings.
4. G2E – Government to Employee
• Definition: Digital interaction between the government and its
employees.
• Purpose: To manage human resources, performance evaluation, and
communication within departments.
• Objective: Ensure satisfaction, training, and engagement of government
employees.
MODELS OF E GOV
The models of e-governance refer to the different ways in which Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) is used to interact with citizens,
businesses, and other government entities.
1. Broadcasting Model
• Purpose: To disseminate government-related information widely.
• Function: Uses ICT to spread accurate and timely information to citizens.
• Goal: Make people aware of policies, rules, procedures, and enable
informed public opinion.
• Example: Government websites publishing schemes, rules, advisories.
2. Critical Flow Model
• Purpose: To deliver crucial information to targeted groups.
• Function: Bridges gaps using ICT to ensure important data reaches
beneficiaries (like farmers, students, etc.) at the right time.
• Goal: Targeted communication for timely action.
• Example: SMS alerts to farmers on weather conditions or crop prices.
3. Comparative Analysis Model
• Purpose: People empowerment through comparison.
• Function: Provides comparative data (like health services in different
districts) to enable demand for better governance.
• Goal: Encourage public accountability by showing performance gaps.
• Example: Dashboard comparing public school performance across
regions.
4. E-Advocacy Model
• Purpose: Mobilize public opinion and influence policy.
• Function: Uses digital tools (emails, social media, forums) to gather
opinions and advocate for change.
• Goal: Democratic engagement and policy influence.
• Example: Online petitions or digital campaigns on social issues.
5. Interactive Service Model
• Purpose: Direct public participation in decision-making.
• Function: Offers two-way communication between government and
citizens using digital platforms.
• Goal: Real-time governance with feedback and citizen engagement.
• Example: E-voting, online grievance redressal, digital public consultations.
JOURNEY/ EVOLUTION OF E GOV IN INDIA
1. Initial Phase (1970s–1980s): Early Computerization
• Purpose: ICT was first used for managing large-scale data systems like
census, defence, elections, and tax administration.
• Nature: These were single-function, standalone applications with limited
public interface.
• Significance: Marked the beginning of e-governance in India.
2. Expansion Phase (Late 1980s): Network Development
• Key Development: Establishment of National Informatics Centre (NIC).
• Action: Launched state-wide area networks (SWANs) to digitally connect
districts and local governments.
• Goal: Improve inter-departmental communication and data exchange.3.
Policy Support Phase (2000s): Legal and Structural Reforms
• Major Reform: Enactment of the Information Technology Act, 2000,
which gave legal validity to electronic communication.
• Outcome: States also introduced ICT-related policies to support the digital
governance framework.
4. Progressive Phases of E-Governance Development
The evolution of e-governance occurred through four stages:
a. Computerization Stage
• Government offices were equipped with PCs and software.
• Initiated digital record-keeping and data management.
b. Networking Stage
• Departments were interconnected, allowing horizontal and vertical
communication.
• NICNET was used as a backbone for network integration.
c. Online Presence Stage
• Ministries and departments launched websites to provide basic
information (contact details, RTI, citizen charters).
d. Online Interaction Stage
• Enabled interactive services like e-tendering, e-voting, grievance
redressal, and online surveys.
• Shifted from one-way communication to two-way engagement.
5. Outcome
• E-Governance evolved from being a tool for internal efficiency to a citizen-
centric service delivery mechanism.
• Gradual transformation of governance into a more transparent,
accessible, and accountable system.
FEATURES OF E GOV
1. SMART Governance
E-Governance adopts the SMART model:
• S – Small: Minimizes bureaucratic processes.
• M – Moral: Promotes ethical and corruption-free governance.
• A – Accountable: Makes officials answerable; ensures public access to
information.
• R – Responsive: Encourages citizen feedback and engagement.
• T – Transparent: Ensures openness in policies, decisions, and
implementation.
2. Integration of Governance and Technology
3. Citizen Participation
4. Efficiency and Transparency
a. Reduces red tape, paperwork, and manual delays.
b. Uses tools like teleconferencing for communication instead of physical
visits.
5. Access and Convenience
BENEFITS OF E GOV
1. Equal Access to Information (regardless of location or status)
2. Quality Public Services (to rural and remote areas.)
3. Inclusivity (Narrows the gap between urban–rural and rich–poor by
decentralizing services.)
4. Responsive and Accountable Governance (Makes administrators more
answerable and governance more ethical.)
5. Convenience for Citizens (“where,” “how,” and “when”)
6. Reduced Corruption and Increased Revenue
KEY LIMITATIONS OF E GOV
1. Lack of E-Literacy
• A large population in India is not digitally literate, which restricts their
ability to use e-governance services, don’t know how to benefit from it.
2. Inadequate ICT Infrastructure
• Poor digital infrastructure (like broadband, devices, electricity) hinders the
widespread adoption of e-services, especially in rural areas.
3. Language Barrier
• Many don’t know English and there’s a lack of content and interfaces in
local/regional languages.
4. Outdated Legal Framework
• Although ICT use in governance has increased, laws and administrative
rules have not been updated to reflect the digital shift.
• Leads to confusion and ineffective implementation - fail to simplify
governance or reach people effectively
5. Cultural Resistance
There is a need to change bureaucratic culture, train administrators, and
redesign processes. Shortage of Skilled Human Resources.
6. Technology-Centric Approach
• Current projects focus more on technological display than solving citizen
problems.
• This results in technical centrality instead of citizen centrality.
7. Lack of Transparent, Clear Information
• Government websites and portals often provide incomplete, complex, or
misleading information.

8. Legal and Ethical Concerns

• Issues include:
a. Privacy violations
b. Intellectual property theft
c. Data misuse
d. Insecure financial transactions
e. Lack of protection for individual rights
MAJOR GOVT INITIATIVES
1. IT Act, 2000 – Gave legal status to electronic communication and digital
transactions and enabled secure and legally valid electronic data
exchange between citizens, businesses, and government agencies.
2. NeGP (2003) – National plan to deliver digital services and focused on
infrastructure development and service accessibility across India.
3. RTI Act, 2005 – Empowered citizens to access government information,
ensuring transparency.
4. National E gov plan (2006) launched 27 Mission Mode Projects - central,
state, and local levels. Examples: MCA21 (corporate filings), Passport Seva,
Income Tax e-filing.
Key E-Governance Projects in India: (rural)
1. CRISP – Computerized Rural Information System Project (monitors rural
poverty schemes).
2. E-Choupal – Provides farmers digital access to markets (by ITC Ltd).
3. Tata Kisan Kendra – Helps farmers with groundwater, soil, and weather
info using GIS.
4. Lokmitra – Delivers internet access to remote areas (Himachal Pradesh).
5. Gyandoot – ICT kiosks for tribal and rural communities (Madhya Pradesh).
6. Drishti – ICT-based rural distribution of consumer goods (Punjab, Haryana,
MP).
7. Akashganga – ICT for milk collection and support to rural dairy farmers.
8. Vasudha Kendra – Offers low-cost digital services (rail tickets, Aadhaar) in
Bihar villages.
DIGITAL INDIA MISSION / PROGRAMME
The Digital India Programme is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology, Government of India, with the
vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge
economy. Its primary aim is to provide digital infrastructure as a utility to every
citizen, deliver services digitally, and empower citizens through digital literacy.
Objectives and Vision
1. To enable Indian citizens to participate in the digital economy.
2. To digitize government processes for better transparency and
accountability.
3. To ensure the delivery of services electronically.
4. To make information available to all citizens across the country.
This aligns with the idea of a “knowledge economy” where access to
information, participation in governance, and digital literacy are fundamental.
Key Pillars of the Digital India Mission
1. Broadband Highways – Ensuring broadband connectivity in rural and
urban areas
 2. Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity
3. Public Internet Access Programmes – Promoting access through Common
Service Centres (CSCs) and other facilities.
4. e-Governance: Reforming Government through Technology – Simplifying
processes using IT for business process reengineering and automation.
5. e-Kranti (Electronic delivery of services) – Delivering services online in
sectors like health, education, agriculture, and justice.
6. Information for All – Facilitating open access to government information
and data.
7. Electronics Manufacturing – Promoting domestic manufacturing to
reduce imports and create jobs.
8. IT for Jobs – Training youth in IT skills to enhance employment.
9. Early Harvest Programmes – Initiating quick projects like biometric
attendance and Wi-Fi in universities.
QUES- How Governance is Changing Toward Good Governance

1. Transparency and Accountability

1. Online portals and real-time monitoring systems reduce discretion and make data publicly
available. 2. Public grievance redressal platforms, like CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance
Redress and Monitoring System), enhance accountability. Example: Digital attendance systems in
government offices ensure timely reporting and reduce absenteeism.
2. Efficient and Timely Delivery of Services

Government services are available online through e-Kranti and platforms like UMANG, DigiLocker,
and e-Hospital. Citizens no longer need to visit multiple offices or pay bribes for services. Example:
Farmers can access soil health cards, subsidy transfers, and crop insurance via mobile apps.

3. Citizen Empowerment and Inclusion

Rural citizens are digitally included via Common Service Centres (CSCs). Digital literacy initiatives
ensure citizens understand how to access digital services. Example: PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri
Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan) trains rural people in basic digital skills.

4. Participation and Responsiveness

5. Reducing Corruption and Leakages

Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) ensure that welfare schemes reach intended beneficiaries without
intermediaries. Example: LPG subsidy, MGNREGA wages, and pensions are directly transferred to
Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.