E-governance Techniques

The term E-governance implies an upgrading in efficiency and effectiveness of the administrative machinery - through the combination of information technology (IT) and multimedia, to deliver better, cost-effective, and speedy services to the people. Over the last decade, India has emerged as the most preferred destination for outsourcing of IT services. The vibrant IT industry has contributed immensely by providing information for local and international business practices. Various sectors of the Indian economy - i.e. industry, finance, insurance, communications, and transport - have adopted IT in a big way. India's National E-governance Plan (2003-07) reflects the strategic intent of the central government. Many projects are earmarked under this plan, which is trying to address the digital divide. From a political perspective, after watching the performance of some IT-savvy states during India's recent elections, India recognizes the need to focus more on rural development. Political systems are keener to disseminating information faster to farmers, disburse loans, and improve education and health in villages, etc. There is a clear-cut incentive to do it, as 60% of voters still live in rural India. This book examines the practices, problems, and prospects of the E-governance, focussing on initiatives in India and recording the experiences of other countries in this regard.

B. Srinivas Raj is Senior Manager, ICFAI University, Hyderabad.