Question

Why does the language barrier hinder e-governance in India?

• A. E-governance applications are mainly developed in local dialects.
• B. Most citizens understand English fluently.
• C. Many e-governance applications are primarily developed in English, which a majority don't understand.
• D. The government promotes only regional languages for e-governance.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Many e-governance applications are primarily developed in English, which a majority don't understand.

• Limited Access: India has 22 official languages and hundreds of dialects. When e-governance portals and applications are available only in English or Hindi, it excludes millions of citizens from accessing services and information.

• Reduced Usability: Even if a person can navigate an interface, they may not be able to fully understand the legal terms, instructions, or complex information provided. This leads to confusion, errors, and a general mistrust of the system.

• Widens the Digital Divide: The language barrier is an additional layer of the digital divide. It prevents the benefits of e-governance from reaching those in rural or non-English-speaking regions, ultimately failing to achieve its goal of inclusive development.