UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach Define e-governance. Discuss the challenges in the implementation of e-governance. Show how e-governance reduces corruption. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

E-governance refers to the use of digital technologies and information communication technologies (ICT) by government bodies to enhance the delivery of services, engage with citizens, and improve internal operations.The Digital India initiative (2015) and the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP, 2006) have laid the foundation for IT-enabled governance in India.

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Major Challenges in the Implementation of E-Governance in India :

• Digital Divide
  • Rural-Urban Gap: According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), a significant digital divide exists in India, with only 24% of rural households having internet access compared to 66% in urban areas
  • Gender Divide: As per the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2022, only 30% of women in India use mobile internet, affecting their access to e-governance services.
  • Regional Disparities: Southern states like Kerala and Karnataka have better IT penetration than Bihar and Jharkhand.
• Cybersecurity Threats
  • Data Breaches: India emerged as the second most targeted nation in terms of cyber attacks in the world as 95 Indian entities came under data theft attacks in 2024.
  • Lack of Awareness: Many government portals face cyber threats due to weak encryption and outdated security measures.
    • In 2023, AIIMS Delhi's server was hacked, exposing sensitive patient data.
• Lack of Digital Literacy
  • Low IT Awareness: A 2022 NSSO Survey found that only 38% of Indians possess basic digital literacy, limiting the effective use of e-governance platforms.
  • Barrier to Adoption: Many government portals have complex interfaces, making them inaccessible to those with low digital literacy.
• Poor IT Infrastructure
  • Slow Internet Connectivity: 4G penetration is still poor in many remote villages, and 5G deployment is in its early stages.
  • Lack of Power Supply: Many Gram Panchayat offices face frequent power outages, affecting IT-based service delivery.
    • The Common Service Centres (CSCs), meant to provide digital services in rural India, often suffer from network failures and power cuts.
• Resistance to Change and Bureaucratic Hurdles
  • Lack of Capacity Building: Many government officials are unfamiliar with IT systems, leading to reluctance in adopting digital platforms.
  • The e-Office initiative in many departments has seen slow implementation due to resistance from lower-level staff who prefer traditional paperwork.
• Privacy and Data Protection Issues
  • No Comprehensive Data Law: India passed the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, but its implementation is still in progress.
  • Risk of Data Misuse: Aadhaar-linked data leaks have raised concerns about citizens' personal information security.
• Lack of Interoperability Between Systems
  • Fragmented Databases: Many government departments work in silos, leading to duplication of work and inefficiency.
    • The integration of Aadhaar, PAN, and Voter ID still faces technical and administrative hurdles.

E-Governance Reducing Corruption in India

• Minimizing Human Intervention and Reducing Bureaucratic Delays
  • Automation of Processes eliminates the need for middlemen and reduces discretionary powers of officials.
    • The Passport Seva Kendra ensures passport issuance in a time-bound, transparent manner, reducing bribes.
• Enhancing Transparency in Government Services
  • Right to Information (RTI) Online Portal: Citizens can file RTI applications digitally, making government operations more transparent.
    • The GeM (Government e-Marketplace) platform prevents procurement-related fraud by ensuring fair, competitive bidding.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Eliminating Leakages
  • DBT Scheme (2013) ensures direct transfer of subsidies and welfare benefits into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, eliminating ghost beneficiaries.
    • As of 2023, DBT saved ₹3.72 lakh crore by reducing pilferage in schemes like PM-KISAN, LPG Subsidy, and MNREGA.
• E-Tendering and E-Auctions: Ending Nepotism in Public Procurement
  • E-Tendering portals like CPPP (Central Public Procurement Portal) promote fair competition, reducing favoritism.
    • The introduction of coal block e-auctions in 2014 ended arbitrary coal block allocations and prevented major scams.
• Digital Grievance Redressal: Empowering Citizens
  • CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redressal System) enables online grievance filing, ensuring accountability.
    • From 2022 to 2024, CPGRAMS successfully resolved over 70 lakh grievances, helping to create a more responsive and efficient India.
• Blockchain & AI in Governance: Reducing Tampering and Fraud
  • Blockchain ensures tamper-proof land records, reducing land-related corruption.
    • Andhra Pradesh adopted blockchain-based land records to prevent illegal land grabbing.

Conclusion

As societies become increasingly digitized, e-governance promises to create a more responsive, efficient, and accountable government, addressing the challenges of traditional governance methods. With advancements in 5G, AI, and blockchain, India is poised for a digitally inclusive and corruption-free future. Strengthening cybersecurity, digital literacy, and infrastructure will ensure a seamless, accountable, and citizen-centric governance system in the years ahead.