E-governance Readiness: Challenges for India

Abstract

Governments and public sector organizations around the globe are relying on information and communication technologies (ICTs) to reform the functioning of the system and provide better service delivery mechanisms for their citizens. E-governance is the effective use of ICTs, particularly the Web-based Internet applications, for better governance and service delivery. Indian government, like its global counterparts, is using ICT and E-governance as part of its broader governance modernization programmes. This article presents an overview of the E-governance scenario in India. It evaluates the readiness, capability and willingness of the government to provide E-services in terms of the factors like telecommunication infrastructure, human capital and web presence. Based on the assessment, the factors which hinder the E-initiatives development and the barriers for the effective implementation are identified. These barriers are then classified into the three dimensions which determine the E-governance readiness.  A strategy for improving the E-governance readiness in India is also proposed.