UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach Briefly introduce Information and Technology (IT) in the field of administration. Discuss the issues related to the use of IT in administration. Highlight the various initiatives of the government. Conclude with the way forward.

Introduction

The Use of Information and Technology in the various fields of administration is part of e-governance, it can be defined as the application of information and communication technology (ICT) for providing government services, exchange of information, transactions, integration of previously existing services and information portals. India is one of the largest Internet user bases at the cheapest Internet rates in the world, with 76 crore citizens now having access to the Internet.

Body

Issues related to the use of IT in the various fields of Administration:

• Infrastructure Challenge: The availability of digital infrastructure is very vital to make accountability and transparency in the government administration. The lack of digital infrastructure obstructs the use of IT in the field of administration.
• Lack of Skilled Workforce: Indian administration faces a talent shortage, particularly in emerging digital technology.
• Privacy and Security: Recent spark in data leak cases has threatened the peoples’ faith in the use of technology in the administration. Therefore, the implementation of e-governance projects must have security standards and protocols for safeguarding the interests of all classes of the masses.
• Comprehensive data protection legislation is still missing in India which places the privacy and other digital rights of users at risk. It leads to a lack of trust in the Indian administration.
• Issue of Cyber Security: In 2024, India witnessed a staggering 59% rise in IoT-related cyberattacks, underscoring the scale of this emerging threat.
  • India businesses face over 3,000 cyberattacks per week.
  • India has witnessed a four-fold increase in cyber fraud cases in FY 2024, leading to $20 million in financial losses.
• Digital Divide: It refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology and those that do not have access. In India, the urban-rural divide is the single biggest factor in the digital divide, which create major hurdles in the Indian administration.

Initiatives Taken for the use of IT in the field of administration in India:

• e-District: It is launched by the Department of Information Technology. The Mission Mode Project (MMP) aims at delivery of high volume, citizen-centric services at the district level such as the issue of birth/death certificate, income and caste certificates, old age and widow pension, etc.
• e-Courts: Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice launched the e-Courts. It is an MMP that aims at utilizing IT for improved provisioning of judicial services to citizens.
• MCA21: It is Launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The project aims to provide electronic services to companies registered under the Companies Act.
  • Various online facilities offered include allocation and change of name, incorporation, online payment of registration charges, change in address of registered office, viewing of public records and other related services.
• Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): It issued directions to strengthen cybersecurity in the country, and in collaboration with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), successfully planned and carried out the “Synergy” Cyber Security Exercise for 13 countries to build network resilience against ransomware attacks.
• Digital India Initiatives: It is launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity), it is an umbrella program to prepare India for a Knowledge-Based Transformation.

Conclusion

Use of ICT in governance brings government near to the citizens.While challenges like digital exclusion and cybersecurity threats remain, continuous policy innovations and infrastructure enhancements will pave the way for a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient digital governance ecosystem in India