Question

Why is illiteracy a significant barrier to e-governance in countries like India?

• A. Most citizens are highly proficient in using computers and smartphones.
• B. It makes it difficult for citizens to access and understand e-governance services.
• C. Governments are not trying to improve digital literacy.
• D. E-governance services are only available in local languages.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. It makes it difficult for citizens to access and understand e-governance services.

• Lack of Digital Skills: E-governance services rely on digital platforms such as computers, smartphones, and the internet. Citizens who are illiterate often lack the fundamental skills to navigate these technologies, use search engines, or fill out online forms.

• Inability to Read Information: Even with a user-friendly interface, many e-governance services require the user to read and understand instructions, legal terms, or official documents displayed on a screen. Illiterate individuals are unable to process this information, making the services inaccessible to them.

• Exacerbated Digital Divide: The pre-existing digital divide, which separates those with access to technology from those without, is made worse by illiteracy. E-governance projects, while well-intentioned, can unintentionally exclude large segments of the population, thereby failing to achieve their goal of broad public participation.