Question

Statement: "E-governance improves service delivery."

Conclusions:

I. It reduces delay.

II. It always ensures equality of access.

• A. Only I follows
• B. Only II follows
• C. Both I and II follow
• D. Neither I nor II follow

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only I follows

E-governance and Service Delivery

• E-governance refers to the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and accessibility of public services.

• Improved Service Delivery is a primary objective of e-governance initiatives. This involves making government services more citizen-centric and responsive.

Analysis of Conclusions:

• Conclusion I: It reduces delay.

  • This conclusion generally follows. E-governance often streamlines processes by digitizing workflows, automating tasks, and enabling online submissions.

  • This automation and digitization can significantly cut down on manual intervention, paperwork, and physical queues, thereby reducing the time taken to deliver services.

  • Examples include online application submissions, digital document processing, and automated status tracking.

• Conclusion II: It always ensures equality of access.

  • This conclusion does not always follow. While e-governance aims for wider access, it can inadvertently create or exacerbate digital divides.

  • Digital Divide: Unequal access to technology (computers, internet, smartphones) and digital literacy can prevent certain segments of the population from benefiting from e-governance services.

  • Infrastructure Gaps: Reliable internet connectivity and electricity are prerequisites that may not be universally available, especially in remote or underdeveloped areas.

  • Therefore, while e-governance can enhance reach, ensuring absolute equality of access remains a challenge that requires complementary policies, such as promoting digital literacy and expanding infrastructure.

Key Aspects of E-governance for Competitive Exams:

• Objectives: To improve transparency, accountability, efficiency, and citizen participation in governance.

• Models: Government-to-Citizen (G2C), Government-to-Business (G2B), Government-to-Government (G2G), Government-to-Employee (G2E).

• Examples in India: Digital India program, Aadhaar, MyGov.in, UMANG app, various state-specific e-governance portals (e.g., MeeSeva in Telangana, MahaOnline in Maharashtra).

• Challenges: Digital divide, cybersecurity threats, data privacy concerns, resistance to change, high implementation costs.

• Benefits: Faster service delivery, reduced corruption, increased transparency, wider reach (potentially), empowerment of citizens.