Digital transformation in administration: Its prospects and challenges

Pages: 1601-1609
Anu Verma (Puri) (Department of Public Administration, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana)

The development of any country relates to the relation between the government and the citizens. In the present era, the citizens are aware of their rights and the services they receive from the government. The past experience of the interaction between the government and the citizens has reflected a bitter taste. They have expressed dissatisfaction with the range and quality of public services delivered by administrative agencies. As such, the government has also started taking initiatives to reduce the ever-increasing gap between them and improve the citizen-administration relationship. Several administrative reforms have been introduced by the government in this direction from time to time. Among them are: Decentralization, Citizen’s Charter, e-Governance, Sevottam, Right to Information Act, Right to Service Act, etc. The vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi on ”Minimum Government and Maximum Governance” has inspired Government agencies in carrying out series of reforms in the existing policies, rules and procedures and introducing the new ones to suit the prevailing circumstances and thus improve the overall condition of the nation. In this light, one such innovative platform “Digital India Programme” provides impetus for the progressive development of the existing e-Governance initiative. It covers wide range of e-services (electronic services) and products, devices etc. It also enhances job opportunities and promotes inclusive growth by providing easier access of e-services to the have-nots of the society. PM Narendera Modi has quoted, “E-Governance is a part of our dream of DIGITAL INDIA, the more technology we infuse in Governance, the better it is for India.” He has laid emphasis on National e- governance plan for the growth of Indian economy and betterment of the citizens. Digitalization helps to transform India equipped with knowledge and cashless economy and empower the nation and thus make India realize its dreams to the path of development. The success of these reforms depends upon the quality of implementation of the administrative reforms. The responsibility of implementation of these reforms lies with the bureaucrats. The degrees of improvement of the range and quality of public services are more or less affected by the choice of priorities of the personnel, public participation, ethical values, choice and political influence. Democracy empowers the citizens to use their right as a powerful tool to share their views freely and choose their representatives wisely. They indirectly take part in the decision-making process of government activities related to public services. But, this can be more effective if they are aware of the government procedures and activities. They can be more informative only if the administrative system is transparent and provides a wide range of information about its programmes, policies, actions , changes made in the existing services , new services added, guidance to have access to the available services as well as services it covers for the betterment of its citizens. Government has put forward the initiative of e-governance to empower the citizens, thereby making this digital platform as a powerful tool for good governance.