MPA-017/2017-2018.

E-GOVERNANCE.
SECTION - I

1. Discuss the concept of e-governance and its models. 10

E-governance is the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools
in governance functioning. This is far beyond than mere computerisation and implies
fundamental change in the way government operates. According to the World bank “E -
Government is to the use by government agencies of information technologies (such as
Wide Area Networks, the Internet, and mobile computing) that have the ability to
transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government. These
technologies can serve a variety of different ends: better delivery of government services
to citizens, improved interactions with business and industry, citizen empowerment
through access to information, or more efficient government
management.The resulting benefits can be less corruption, increased transparency,
greater convenience, revenue growth, and/or cost reductions.”

There are five models of e-governance as given by Prof Dr. Arie Halachimi which can be
used as a guide in designing e-government initiative depending on local situation and
governance activities that are expected to be delivered.
 Fig: E-Governance Models
1. Broadcasting Model: In this as name implies information is broadcast to wider
public domain through use of ICT and convergent media. This models strength is its focus
on spreading information to wider mass and through this citizen will be able to judge
functioning of existing government mechanism and able to take informed decision. This
empowers them and they are in a better position to exercise their rights and
responsibilities.

Public Domain -> Wider Public Domain

Applications :

 Displaying governmental laws and legislations online.

 Making available details of local/ regional/ national government officials online.

 Making available information such as governmental plans, budgets, expenditures, and

performance reports online.

 Putting key judicial decisions which are of value to general citizens and create
precedence for future actions online. viz. key environmental decisions, state vs. citizen
decisions etc.

2. The Critical flow Model: In this information of critical value (which by its very
nature will not be disclosed by those involved with bad governance ) is channelized to
targeted section into the public domain through use of ICT. Targeted audience may include
media, affected parties, opposition parties, judicial bench, independent investigators or
the general public. This model is more focused in terms of its information content and
intended users. Due to critical aspect of information this model exposes weakest aspects of
governance and decision making process inform people about failure in specific cases
and bad governance and build up momentum for concerted action. At the same time it
builds pressure on concerned government organizations / institutions and individuals to
take into cognizance the opinions and interest of masses in decision making
mechanism. Examples: Wikileaks, Global Transparency International, India Central
Vigilance Committee etc.

Critical Domain -> Teargeted Domain

The use of Critical Flow Model requires a foresight of:

Understanding the "critical and use value" of a particular information set.
How or from where this information could be obtained.
How could the information be used strategically.
Who are the best target group for such information- the users for whom the availability of
this information will make a huge difference.

Applications :

 Making available corruption related data about a particular Ministry / Division/

Officials online to its electoral constituency or to the concerned regulatory body.
 To make available Research studies, Enquiry reports, Impact studies commission ed by
the Government or Independent commissions to the affected parties.

 To Make Human Rights Violations cases freely available to Judiciary, NGOs and
concerned citizens.

 Making available information that is usually suppressed, for instance, Environment al

Information on radioactivity spills, effluents discharge information on green ratings of
the company to concerned community.

3. Comparative Analysis Model: This model continuously incorporates best practices

in the area of governance and uses them as benchmark to evaluate other governance
practices. It uses the result to advocate positive changes or influence public opinion on
these governance practices. Comparison could be made over a time scale to get a snapshot
of the past and present situation or could be used to compare the effectiveness of an
intervention by comparing two similar situations.

The model is based on using immense capacity of ICT and social media tools to explore
given information sets with comparable information available in the public or private
domain. Example: Human Development Indicators.

Applications:

 To learn from past policies and actions and derive lessons for future policy-making.
 To evaluate the effectiveness of the current policies and identify key learnings in terms
of strengths and weaknesses in the policies.

 To effectively establish conditions of precedence, especially in the case of Judicial or

legal decision-making (example for resolving patent-related disputes, public goods
ownership rights), and use it to influence/ advocate future decision-making.

 To enable informed decision-making at all levels by enhancing the background

knowledge and also providing a rationale for action.

 To evaluate the performance and track-record of a particular decision-maker/

decision-making body.

4. E-Advocacy Model: It is based on setting up a planned, directed flow of

information to build strong virtual allies to complement action in the real situation. It
builds the momentum of real world processes by adding the opinions and co ncerns
expressed by virtual communities. Virtual communities come together because they share
similar view points or idea or concerns or issues and these communities in turn join
together to support real life group activities for concerted action.

The strength of this is in its diversity of the virtual community, and the ideas, expertise and
resources accumulated through this virtual form of networking. The model is able to
mobilize and leverage human resources and information beyond geographical, institut ional
and bureaucratic barriers, and use it for concerted action. Ex. PRS legislative, Green Peace,
etc.
Applications :

 Fostering public debates on global issues, namely on the themes of upcoming

conferences, treaties etc.
 Formation of pressure groups on key issues to force decision-makers to take their
concerns into cognizance.

 Making available opinions of a suppressed groups who are not involved in the
decision-making process into wider public domain.

 Catalyzing wider participation in decision-making processes.

 Building up global expertise on a particular theme in absence of a localised

information to aid decision-making.

 Amplifying the voices of marginalized who are traditionally marginalized from decision
making processes.

5. The Interactive Service Model: This model opens government door for direct
participation of citizens in governance and thus brings greter objectivity and transparency
in decision-making processes through use of ICT tools. Government services are directly
available to it’s citizen in an interactive manner and is done by opening interactive
Government to consumer to government (G2C2G) channels in various aspect of
governance. Some examples are : Grievance Redressal Portal, online passport etc.

Applications :
 Establishing interactive communication channels with key policy-makers and members
of Planning Commissions.
 Conducting electronic ballots for the election of government officials and other office
bearers.

 To conduct public debates / opinion polls on issues of wider concern before

formulation of policies and legislative frameworks.

 Filing of grievances, feedback and reports by citizens with the concerned

governmental body.

 To establish decentralised forms of governance.

 Performing governance functions online such as revenue collection, procurement etc

2. Define Information and Communications Technology and briefly highlight its

components. 10

The information revolution and the extraordinary increase in the spread of knowledge have
given birth to a new era--one of knowledge and information which effects directly economic,
social, cultural and political activities of all regions of the world, including Africa. Governments
worldwide have recognized the role that Information and Communication Technologies could
play in socio-economic development. A number of countries especially those in the developed
world and some in developing countries are putting in place policies and plans designed to
transform their economies into an information and knowledge economy. Countries like USA,
Canada, and a number of European countries, as well as Asian countries like India, Singapore,
Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and South American countries like Brazil, Chile, and Mexico among
others, and Australia and Mauritius either already have in place comprehensive ICTs policies and
plans or are at an advanced stage of implementing these programmes across their economies
and societies. Some of these countries see ICTs and their deployment for socio-economic
development as one area where they can quickly establish global dominance and reap
tremendous payoff in terms of wealth creation and generation of high quality employment. On
the other hand, some other countries regard the development and utilization of ICTs within their
economy and society as a key component of their national vision to improve the quality of life,
knowledge and international competitiveness.

As Faye {2000} has pointed out, ICTs are offering even less developed countries a window of
opportunities to leapfrog the industrialization stage and transform their economics in to high
value-added information economies that can compete with the advanced economics on the
global market. Technological innovation has contributed to globalization by supplying
infrastructure for trans-world connections. According to Ajayi {2000}, the revolution taking place
in information and communication technologies have been the central and driving force for the
globalization process. Both developed and less-developed countries can not afford to miss out
on the opportunities these technologies are creating.

In practice, globalization benefits those with technology, resources, contacts, information and
access to markets. It has a negative impact on the poor. The prediction is that the gap between
the new winners and losers within the world economy order dominated by an Information and
Knowledge Economies will be much larger than the development gap that now exists between
the advanced nations and the less developed nations. African countries are at risk of being further
marginalized if they fail to embrace these technologies to transform their economies. As pointed
out by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, globalization can benefit humankind as a
whole.

At the moment millions of people--perhaps even the majority of the human race--are being
denied those benefits. They are poor not because they have too much globalization, but rather
that they have too little--or none at all. Many people are actually suffering in different ways--I
would say not from globalization itself, but from the failure to manage its adverse effects. Some
have lost their jobs; others see their communities disintegrating, some feel that their very
identity is at stake {UN, 2000}. The most significant aspect of ICTs and globalization that should
concern the developing countries like Nigeria is the fact that it has led to unprecedented
inequalities in the distributing of benefits between developed countries and the less developed.
Present day globalization is not new because history shows that a similar trend was witnessed in
the 19th century and the earlier part of the 20th century {Adeboye, 2000}. What is different is
the intensity and the magnitude of the inequalities that it generates.

In all these developments, there is the underlying assumption that globalization is good for all
and that its benefits are shared out (even if not equally) all over the world. The more developed
countries benefit while the least developed countries tend to remain impoverished and do not
share in the benefits. The combined effect of the global fluidity of finance capital, the growth of
foreign direct investment, and the emergence of global corporations have greatly undermined
the economic and political sovereignty of states--especially the poor ones. It must be emphasized
that the so-called globalized world is riddled with imperfections.

First, free trade is far from being free. In developing countries, trade distorting export subsidies
and domestic support in agriculture make nonsense of the pretensions to free trade. Likewise,
developed countries restrict the imports of labour-intensive products like textiles that would
provide a major boost to exports of developing countries. Free movement of persons across
national borders is severely restricted. Highly skilled personnel and those who have money to
invest can cross borders fairly easily. The story is different for lower skilled people and particularly
unskilled labour. These people can hardly move at all. As Onitiri {2001} has put it, you will find
many of them in asylum camps in the developed countries, knocking at the gates for a chance to
do the most menial job. All of the above point to the indices of digital slavery for developing
 countries. In effect, what we now call globalization is really a globalization of imperfections:
restricted trade, restricted movement and absence of a world authority that can compensate
effectively for marginalized areas and pockets of poverty in a globalised world.

The diffusion of ICT into Africa is at a snail's speed, such that the gap between the information-
rich developed countries and Africa continues to increase everyday. Africa has 13% of the world
population, but only 2% of world telephone lines and 1% of Internet connectivity measured in
terms of number of Internet hosts and Internet users. Consequently most African countries
including Nigeria have not been able to reap the abundant benefits of the global information
society and the information economy in areas such as education, health, commerce, agriculture,
rural development etc.

It is the objective of this paper to evaluate the effects of ICT in the globalization process and
examine the emerging concept of 'Digital Slavery' as it is affecting developing countries. In
addition, this paper will try to highlight and discuss the factors responsible for this concept of
digital slavery. This paper attempts to make developing countries aware of and proactively
anticipate the trends, consequences and implications as well as devise appropriate response. This
paper will, finally, try to assess the benefits of globalization while minimizing the destabilizations,
dislocation, disparities, distortion, disruptions and even the concept of digital slavery associated
with the current global trends.

3. Enumerate the role of Geographic Information Systems in planning and

decision making. 10

Role of GIS
Geographic Information System (GIS) is rooted in intellectual practices, populated by data and
powered by mathematical analysis. A survey conducted by Schuurman (2004) suggested that
currently, the main use of GIS is for spatial analysis, predictive modelling, cartography and
visualisation. The SI Industry, also known as the GIS industry, is a rapidly growing industry. GIS
maps the exact location and survey coordinates of an object in space to provide answer to queries
using a computer system (Ibid, 2004).

Furthermore, Monroe County (2008) defines the GIS as a mapping tool for mapping visualisation
and geographic analysis.

1. “Geographic Information Systems are computer based tools for mapping and analysing features
and events on earth. GIS technology integrates common database operations such as query and
statistical analysis with the unique visualisation and geographic analysis benefits offered by
maps” (Monroe County, 2008).
 Thus, the use of GIS is needed to collect data, store, manage, analyse and produce useful
information. In other words, the process of GIS is to input sets of raw data to produce useful
output information. CAS relies on the input of accurate historical records and utilises the
functionality of GIS to produce predictions and response plans for this natural phenomena.

Despite the vast potential applications of GIS, the means of integrating the pervasive role and
influence of the technology have not kept pace with the current developments and
techniques. Put more simply, the use of GIS has not reached its potential because users are
unaware of the possibilities for an integrated GIS in situations where spatial location is involved.

As a result, this project will use the collection of datasets and integration from different sources
to produce useful information for cyclone analysis study. For this reason, the data acquisition
process needs to be of a substantial quality and cover a range of datasets in order to produce
meaningful results (Schuurman, 2004). This is because GIS are dependent on spatial data, with
poor quality data producing potentially invalid results (Ibid, 2004).
“The qualities of the data that populate data models constitute the best indicator of the quality
of the resulting spatial analysis. Poor quality or inappropriate data can invalidate the results of
the analysis” (Ibid, 2004).

A function of GIS is the ability to query databases using a selection of attributes or selection of
locations for special criteria to find the relationships between different results, as shown in Table
2.1. Hence, GIS draw upon analysis models in the quantitative method. Therefore, spatial
analysis for the project requires the understanding of quantitative data calculations in order to
create meaningful implementation.

Initial use of GIS was for cartography and mapping. However, the methods of computerising
cartographic procedures were coincident with the realisation that mapping could be used in
analysis through overlays and calculations (Schuurman, 2004). Nowadays, the analytical
technique in GIS is known as spatial analysis,
1. “Spatial analysis is differentiated from ‘mapping’ because it generates more information or
knowledge that can be gleaned from maps or data alone” (Ibid, 2004).

Spatial analysis involves the overlapping of different characteristics of datasets, known as map
overlays. Map overlay, as illustrated in Figure 2.1, made up of collections of similar geographic
 objects, also known as features, arranged in layers. It is through the overlay technique, that the
result of the analysis can be understood, for example Monroe County (2008). Every feature in a
GIS map is connected to a spatial table in the overlay. The table is filled with attributes of data
that could be examined as information (Ibid, 2008).

Furthermore, GIS divides the world into objects and attribute tables, both of which can be
represented spatially by raster or vector datasets which are shown on the map overlay:
1. •Raster dataset that comes from grids, e.g. images, aerial photos.
2. •Vector dataset that comes from mathematical calculations and functions, e.g. points,
lines, polygons.
Both types of dataset will be used to produce complete and extensive data in the Area of Study.

GIS also has programming capabilities, however, in this thesis the programming is limited to
simple queries in SQL and VB languages, for example ArcObjects. As a result, simple map algebra
and
Figure 2.1 - Data and Information comes from a set of layers (ESRI, 2008; Geoscience
Australia, 2008).

calculation functions can be achieved. Therefore, the main tool for CAS involves visualisation and
analysis using GIS.

For this reason, the CAS is associated with SI because of the diverse type of applications
possible. In addition, CRC SI (2008) defines the use of SI for the Australian community is
necessary to the community, especially when maps of all kinds are produced, displayed and
analysed using technology that the wider spatial information industry provides.
 This is also evident when Schuurman (2004) points out that the challenges are associated not
only for visualisation and analysis, rather with modelling spatial phenomena using GIS.
1. “Spatial analysis and modelling are increasingly used to predict outcomes, and plan for future
development or natural hazard. The capacity of GIS have been extended from managing data
and map distribution to model interactions among different attributes of the spatial objects and
use the information to predict future events” (Ibid, 2004).

As a result, SI holds such importance because of various forms of GIS functionality, for example
enquires, integrates, manages, analyses, maps, distributes, and uses geographic, temporal and
spatial information and knowledge. Hence, it is important for the system to provide adequate
planning, decision-making and operational needs of people and organisations of all types (CRC
SI, 2008).

In particular, ArcGIS Desktop software from ESRI has been chosen for the course of this thesis
because,
1. “ArcGIS is full featured geographic information system (GIS) software for visualising, managing,
creating and analysing geographic data. Using ArcView, you can understand the geographic
context of your data, allowing you to see relationships and identify patterns in new ways” (ESRI,
2008)

In other words, ArcGIS is a GIS enterprise developed and maintained by ESRI. For the course of
this project, the desktop GIS platform is used to produce spatial analysis, visualisation and
cartography, and spatial data management. Additionally, the software could be used for
authoring, serving, and using geographic information.

Furthermore, ESRI (2008) details features of the ArcGIS 9.2 Suite, which is the version released
since the start of the thesis, that are applicable to the CAS such as:
1. •Quality mapping for the study area base maps
2. •Spatial Analysis for socio economic and population data
3. •Data Use and Integration of Australian Bureau of Statistics datasets
4. •Data Query and Exploration of PSMA LGA datasets
5. •GIS Deployment of the evacuation system
6. •Map Viewing and Navigation for the evacuation maps
7. •Map printing for all key maps
8. •Configurable and Customisable for future studies

Additionally, it is the most widely used software in industry, with superior features to its closest
counterpart, as shown in Figure 2.2. Perhaps due to its functionality and spatial analysis it would
justify the use of ESRI software platform.
 Figure 2.2 – GIS users
(Directions Magazine, 2003)

For this reason, ArcGIS 9.2 is the main component for this project, used as the platform in the
framework because of its capability to create, manage, publish and disseminate the GIS
knowledge for all the society (ESRI, 2008). GIS is the main core of this project that will be used
as a tool to integrate Cyclones and its spatial analysis for the visual representation of the study
area.

Since the study will be focussed on GIS, Table 2.2 shows the types of activities that will be
undertaken using GIS.
 SECTION-II

5. Discuss the e-panchayat project in Andhra Pradesh. 10

Ramchandrapuram village near Hyderabad, has become India’s first e-panchayat, enabling villagers
to settle disputes through an express web-enabled system.
The Andhra Pradesh unit of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) has implemented the pilot project
labeled as, “The Electronic Knowledge-based Panchayat (EKPanch) project.”
It went commercially live during mid-September this year. Ramchandrapuram panchayat has affluent
members, with some representing major industries like Bharat Heavy Electricals. The panchayat also has
its own accounting and payroll system for its 70 employees.
According to NIC state informatics officer, CSR Prabhu, the software has been designed taking into
consideration all aspectual requirements of a grampanchayat.
The pilot version of EKPanch was launched in early August this year, before the project went fully live by
mid-September.
“EKPanch fits well into the information system at the grampanchayat level as we have incorporated all
probable requirements. This is part of the state government governance initiatives, where the panchayats
can intelligently offer citizen services, dispense agricultural information, manage pension schemes and
assets,” Mr Prabhu said.
EKPanch consists of thirty main modules and 150 sub-modules, spanning the entire host of functions at
the grampanchayat level. The database used by the panchayat is based on multipurpose household survey
data.
In addition to the basic modules, the software incorporates financial management for prudent fiscal
measures and captures details of funds allocated and released with respect to government schemes. The
solution also boasts of a unique land records management information system.
Mr Prabhu said by end of October, EKPanch will be strengthened by incorporating more village functions.
The project is planning a major upscale operation, with a goal to integrate 1,200 panchayats initially, and
subsequently magnify to involve 29,000 panchayats. The model will continue to co-exist and integrate
subsequently with rural e-Seva, the citizen-centric service delivery model planned for districts.

7. Examine the benefits and limitations of e-commerce. 10

E-commerce has revolutionized the concept of conducting business by providing equal chance to
all the businesses to mark their global presence. It has also eased the customers with online
shopping and easy transactions. With the introduction of e-commerce business, communication
has become effortless and has also changed a lot in recent years for the better. Still, there are
people who think that conventional business practices are far better then the e-commerce
business. Here, we are bringing you some of the benefits and limitations of e-commerce that will
make you aware of the certain aspects of this new trend of conducting business.

Benefits:-
Expands the reach of your business to the global market :- The foremost advantage of e-
commerce is that it empowers the business to reach the global market. E-commerce caters to
the demands of national as well as international business simultaneously and brings your
business activities out of geographical boundaries. With e-commerce, even small businesses get
the access to the global market.

 Round the clock availability :- E-commerce has abolished time restrictions on business
activities because with this you can execute business transactions 24X7. The time factor
significantly turns into the increment in sales as well as profits.

 Gives freedom to make choices :- It also gives customers an opportunity to look for cheaper
and better quality products. With e-commerce, consumers can search the specific product
or service they require and can even find the direct manufacturer from where they can
purchase products at comparatively less price. Shopping online is time saving and
 convenient. In addition to it, you also get to see the reviews of other consumers that will
help you in making beneficial purchase decision.

 Cost effective : - E-commerce is proved to be highly cost effective for business concerns as
it cuts down the cost of marketing, processing, inventory management, customer care etc.
It also reduces the burden of infrastructure required for conducting business. You can also
collect and manage the information related to the customers efficiently, which in turn will
assist you in developing efficient promotional strategy.

Limitations:-

 Technological and inherent limitations :- The technological limitations of e-commerce have

restricted a large number of people from using this revolutionizing technique. The major
disadvantage of e-commerce is the limitation of the Internet, as it still has not touched the
lives of every individual. Lack of knowledge restricts large number of people from using the
internet and understanding online transactions. Some people refuse to trust the legitimacy
of online business and some are not comfortable about disclosing their personal and
confidential information online. Authenticity of e-commerce businesses has always
remained in question.

 Not suitable for perishable commodities :- The biggest limitation of e-commerce is that it is
not suitable for perishable goods and food items. For purchasing such items people prefer
the conventional way of shopping. Along with that, the time period also plays a significant
role in delivering goods to the customers. Customers may need to make lot of phone calls
and e-mails for getting the products within the desired timeframe. Moreover, it becomes
really troublesome to return the product or get refund in case if you are not satisfied with
the product.
After evaluating the pros and cons of e-commerce, we can clearly state that the benefits of e-
commerce are sufficient enough for overpowering the limitations. If apt strategies are followed
and technical issues are addressed properly, you can easily build up the customers trust in your
system. The present scenario of e-commerce can also be changed for good, so that it can easily
adapt to the ever changing needs of the customers as well as of the world.

8. Explain the role of ICT in enabling public services delivery. 10

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play a key role in development & Economic
growth of Rural India. Political, Cultural, Socio-economic Developmental & Behavioral decisions
today rests on the ability to access, gather, analyze and utilize Information and Knowledge. ICT is
the conduits that transmit information and knowledge to individual to widen their choices for
Economic and social empowerment. In near future people will be carrying a handheld computer
connected to the Web to get the information about the World at their fingertips. Government of
India is having an ambitious objective of transforming the citizen-government interaction at all
levels to by the electronic mode (e-Governance) by 2020.
A successful ICT application in e-Governance giving one-stop solutions for rural community is the
need of the hour. ICT is crafted to enable the Electronic Governance through wireless
communication, thus it’s integrally interlinked and knitted.
India is a country of villages and to improve and sustain the overall prosperity, growth and
development in the global competitive regime, National E-governance plan (NEGP) seeks to lay
the foundation with various projects, starting from the grass-root levels, and provide impetus for
long-term e-governance within the country. In this direction rural e-Governance applications
implemented in the recent few years have been demonstrating the importance of Information
and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the concerned areas of rural development. Indeed,
some of the schemes introduced in rural India have improved the government services
immensely.
Instances like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Warana
Project in Maharashtra, Online Income Tax, Online Central Excise, Unique ID and E-office has
accelerated growth of respective areas and contributing to country’s economic development.
Similarly, at state level the various rural E-governance projects such as SETU Project in
Maharashtra etc, projects that have been providing excellent services and saving time and money
of people as well as of government and are contributing their might to the socio-economic
development of rural India. Being ICT a significant instrument in E-Governance and Rural
Development, appropriate infrastructure/design is mandatory for proper functioning as follows:-
• As designed of citizen centric services, and dependable service delivery mechanisms.
• Selection of appropriate (dependable, maintainable, cost effective) technologies for rural
connectivity, and information processing solutions.
• As designed of cost effective delivery stations (kiosks) to build new services.
• Demonstration of transparency and efficiency to remove distrust and build confidence among
the citizens on functioning of service delivery mechanisms.
• Invite private participation to reduce the burden on the central servicing agency, bring in the
expertise, enhance the speed of implementation, and offer better value proposition to the
citizens.
The term e-governance focuses on the use of new ICTs by governments as applied to the full
range of government functions. Thus e-governance is the application of information and
communication technology for delivering government services, exchange of information,
communication, transactions, integration, various stand-alone systems, and services between
government and citizens, government and business as well as back office processes and
interactions within the entire government frame work. The government being the service
provider it is important to motivate the employees for delivering the services through ICT. E-
governance seek to achieve Efficiency, Transparency, and Citizen’s Participation. Enabling E-
governance through ICT contributes to Good Governance, Trust and Accountability, Citizen’s
Awareness, and empowerment, Citizen’s Welfare, Democracy, Nation’s Economic growth. ICT is
the biggest enabler of change and process reforms fade in face of what ICT has achieved in few
years.
E-governance services through ICT refer to transactional services that involve local, state or
national government. ICTs acts in speeding up the flow of information and knowledge between
government and citizens and transforming the way in which governments and citizens interact.
According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) the challenge for all countries is
to create and develop a system of governance that promotes supports and sustains human
development. Governments in many parts of the world have made huge ICT investments aimed
at improving governance processes.
In the present century, the advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
are changing the various components of human life. The changes in the ICTs have brought a
positive impact in the process of public service delivery and socio-economic structure of
communities.
In India, e-Governance applications in the recent past have demonstrated their positive impact
in minimizing the processing costs, increase transparency and support economic development
by income generating ventures, increase in agricultural production, and improvements in health
and education sectors, all of which promote the overall quality of life of rural people. ICT
contributes in providing the transactional services for the rural people with the benefit of time
and cost savings in obtaining the public services with efficiency and effectiveness and it also
examines changes in agricultural productivity and improved quality of life due to the ICT services.
In addition to the above AEPS, GPS etc. are pivotal in ICT services.
The rural ICT applications attempt to offer the services of central agencies (like district
administration, cooperative union, and state and central government departments) to the
citizens at their village door steps. These applications utilize the ICT in offering improved and
affordable connectivity and processing solutions. Several Government-Citizen (G-C) e-
Government pilot projects have attempted to adopt these technologies to improve the reach,
enhance the base, minimize the processing costs, increase transparency, and reduce the cycle
times to half.
A large number of rural E-Government applications, developed as pilot projects, were aimed at
offering easy access to citizen services and improved processing of government-to-citizen
transactions. The idea that the primary and the sheer object of ICT in e-governance and rural
development is individual’s motivation to collective mobilization for an integrated rural
development.