70^th BPSC Mains

Approach Define e-governance. Highlight how e-governance utilizes the power of technology. Discuss the critical importance of the “use value” of information in e-governance. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

E-Governance refers to the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government processes to improve public service delivery, foster transparency, enable citizen participation, and enhance efficiency in administration. It is a key pillar of good governance in the digital age, aiming not just to digitize services, but to transform the way governance is conceptualized and delivered.

Body

E-Governance Utilizes the Power of Technology

• Technological Innovations: E-Governance is driven by a wide range of technological innovations that make governance faster, smarter, and more inclusive. Some key applications include:
• Digital Identity and Service Access: Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric digital identity program, enables authentication for schemes like DBT, ration distribution, and pension delivery.
  • In Bihar, Aadhaar is integrated into the e-PDS system to ensure that food grains reach genuine beneficiaries.
• Unified Service Delivery Platforms: Central government's UMANG app and DigiLocker consolidate access to hundreds of services.
  • In Bihar, the RTPS (Right to Public Services) Portal provides time-bound delivery of essential services like caste, income, and domicile certificates online.
• Digital Financial Inclusion: Platforms like BHIM-UPI and the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) enable transparent, cashless transfers.
• Smart Infrastructure: The BharatNet project aims to connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats with high-speed internet.
  • Bihar’s B-SWAN project provides backbone connectivity from the state headquarters down to blocks, facilitating last-mile e-governance.

Critical Importance of the "Use Value" of Information:

• Use Value" of Information: While technology forms the infrastructure, the real strength of e-governance lies in the effective use and application of information to serve citizens and inform decisions. This is known as the "use value" of information.
• Transparency and Accountability: The RTI Online Portal allows citizens to access government-held information.
  • In Bihar, the Lok Shikayat Nivaran Adhikar system lets citizens file complaints online with guaranteed time-bound redressal.
• Informed Decision-Making: The GST Network (GSTN) processes vast amounts of tax data to aid policy formulation.
• Inclusive Service Delivery: The e-NAM platform provides farmers access to a unified national agricultural market.
  • Bihar supports online platforms for seed distribution, Krishi Input Subsidy, and soil health cards, ensuring timely benefits for farmers.
• Citizen Participation and Engagement: The MyGov platform promotes participatory governance by allowing citizens to offer ideas and feedback.
  • In Bihar, RTPS counters and mobile applications also collect user feedback, enabling iterative improvements in service delivery.
• Efficient Information Management: The CoWIN platform during the COVID-19 pandemic showcased how real-time data could support nationwide vaccine delivery.
  • Bihar’s e-Municipality platform digitizes urban services such as property tax payments and birth/death registrations, making data more accessible and useful.

Conclusion

While technology provides the tools and platforms for e-governance, its true impact lies in the strategic and meaningful use of information. Bihar's RTPS portal, e-PDS, and land records platform (Bihar Bhumi) demonstrate how the "use value" of information can empower citizens, enhance accountability, and streamline service delivery. Ultimately, e-governance must be viewed not just as a digital transformation, but as an information revolution—where data is not only collected but actively used to make governance more transparent, efficient, inclusive, and responsive.