The World Bank defines e-governance as the use by government agencies of information technologies that can transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government.
E-Governance as Utilization of the Power of New Technology
Digital Platforms like e-Office, UMANG, DigiLocker, CPGRAMS, and GeM.
Automation and Paperless Processes: Eg- e-Procurement, e-Courts.
Connectivity and Infrastructure Expansion: Eg- Digital India, BharatNet, and 5G rollout.
Data Integration and Interoperability: Eg- Unified databases such as Aadhaar and SECC.
Smart Technologies and AI Use: Eg- IndiaAI Mission, Smart Cities.
Citizen-Government Interface: Eg- Mobile governance and MyGov platform.
Importance of the ‘Use Value’ of Information
Use Value – The relevance, accessibility, and usability of information by citizens, administrators, and policymakers to make informed decisions and ensure accountability.
Informed Decision-Making: Data-driven policies depend on real-time, accurate information. Eg- Aadhaar-linked welfare, PM-KISAN, JAM Trinity
Platforms like RTI Portal, NJDG, and CPGRAMS ensure information availability, empowering citizens to hold government accountable.
Targeted Service Delivery: Use of information helps identify beneficiaries and prevent inclusion exclusion errors. Eg- SECC data.
Citizen Empowerment: Information accessibility through UMANG, DigiLocker, and MyGov enables citizens to interact directly with the state.
Evidence-Based Governance- Dashboards like PRAGATI and Aspirational District Programme use information analytics for performance monitoring.
Crisis Management and Responsiveness: During COVID-19, platforms like CoWIN and Aarogya Setu turned data into real-time governance tools for vaccine delivery and tracking.
Reduction in Asymmetry and Corruption: Public disclosure reduces discretion and builds public trust. Eg- GeM portal, PFMS
Technology enables e-governance; the use value of information sustains it.