Why does the Indian Government make use of the e-governance strategy? Mention the several initiatives in…

Question

Why does the Indian Government make use of the e-governance strategy? Mention the several initiatives in the journey from e-governance vision to implementation. How can we say that the Indian government is accountable, responsive and legitimate government?

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

India uses e-governance to make service delivery transparent, accountable and efficient, through initiatives like Digital India (2015), Aadhaar and the JAM Trinity for DBT, Common Service Centres and e-Kranti. Grievance platforms like RailMadad and e-Taal and integrated services like UMANG and DigiLocker make the government accountable, responsive and legitimate.

**Introduction**

E-governance in India aims to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public service delivery, aligning with SMART governance and bridging digital divides through initiatives like Digital India⟦1⟧.

**Institutional Design and Capacity**

SKETCH: spectrum | Government Accountability and Responsiveness through E-Governance  
left: Low Accountability and Responsiveness  
right: High Accountability and Responsiveness  
- Limited digital feedback mechanisms  
- Partial service digitization  
- Real-time complaint tracking and grievance redressal  
- Integrated digital service delivery platforms like UMANG⟦2⟧ and DigiLocker

1. **Digital India and Aadhaar⟦3⟧**: Launched in 2015, Digital India builds secure digital infrastructure; Aadhaar provides unique IDs to 141 crore people, enabling JAM Trinity-based DBT transfers exceeding ₹43.95 lakh crore⟦4⟧, reducing subsidy leakages.

2. **Rural Outreach and State Projects**: Common Service Centres offer 400+ services at village level; ==Andhra Pradesh⟦7⟧⟦6⟧⟦5⟧’s== extensive CSC network and e-District project digitize certificates and land records, enhancing citizen access.

**Implementation Challenges and Outcomes**

3. **Audit Reveals Systemic Gaps**: ==Andhra Pradesh’s== CFMS audit found ₹968 crore excess payments due to system lapses, showing why backend integration and audit trails matter in e-governance.

4. **Transparency and Cybersecurity**: Platforms like UMANG, DigiLocker, and Government e-Marketplace improve service delivery and grievance redressal; however, over 22 lakh cyber fraud incidents highlight cybersecurity needs.

**Way Forward**

5. **Strengthen Integration and Literacy**: Enhance interoperability frameworks to avoid errors like those in ==Andhra Pradesh’s== financial systems; expand digital literacy via DIKSHA and OpenForge.

6. **Enhance Cybersecurity and Feedback**: Invest in cybersecurity infrastructure and institutionalize real-time grievance mechanisms to boost government accountability and legitimacy.

**Conclusion**

India’s e-governance journey, exemplified by Digital India, Aadhaar, and UMANG, is crucial for accountable, responsive, and legitimate governance, advancing inclusive growth under “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Why does the Indian Government make use of the e-governance strategy? Mention the several initiatives in the journey from e-governance vision to implementation. How can we say that the Indian government is accountable, responsive and legitimate government?

Model answer

Practise this question

Good governance, e-governance, RTI and Social Audit8 questions

Ghissu