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02 Mar 2026
GS Paper 2
Polity & Governance
Q. What is e-governance? Discuss their role in promoting citizen-centric governance in India and mention key initiatives. (Answer in 125 words)
Approach:
- Define e-governance as the use of ICTs to enhance governance.
- Highlight its role in promoting citizen-centric governance. Mention flagship initiatives like Digital India, e-District, CSCs, and the UMANG App that have transformed service delivery.
- Conclude by emphasizing the transformative impact of e-governance.
Introduction
E-governance or electronic governance refers to using information and communication technologies (ICTs) (such as Wide Area Networks, Internet, and mobile computing) at various levels of the government, the public sector, and beyond, for the purpose of enhancing governance.
Body
Role in Promoting Citizen-Centric Governance in India:
- Accessibility and Convenience: E-governance initiatives provide citizens with easy access to government services from the comfort of their homes. Online portals and mobile applications enable individuals to apply for services, pay taxes, and access information without the need for physical visits to government offices.
- Transparency and Accountability: Digital platforms promote transparency by making government processes more open and accessible. Citizens can track the status of their applications, view government budgets, and monitor the implementation of schemes, which enhances accountability.
- Empowerment through Information: E-governance empowers citizens by providing them with information about their rights, services available, and how to access them. Initiatives like the Right to Information (RTI) Act, facilitated through online platforms, have significantly increased public awareness and participation.
- Efficient Service Delivery: E-governance streamlines processes, reduces bureaucratic delays, and minimizes corruption, leading to quicker and more efficient service delivery.
Key Initiatives:
- Digital India: Launched in 2015, this flagship initiative aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and service delivery.
- e-District: This project aims to deliver citizen services electronically at the district level, facilitating online applications for various certificates and permits.
- Common Service Centers (CSCs): CSCs serve as access points for various government services, especially in rural areas, bridging the digital divide.
- UMANG App: The Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) integrates multiple government services into a single mobile platform, enhancing accessibility.
- The National E-Governance Plan (NeGP), initiated in 2006, aimed to make government services accessible, efficient, transparent, and affordable for all citizens. Several initiatives, including Digital India, Digi-Locker, Mobile Seva, myGov.in, and more, have been launched under NeGP to promote e-governance across India.
In summary, e-governance plays a crucial role in promoting citizen-centric governance in India by making services more accessible, enhancing transparency, and improving service delivery through various innovative initiatives.
