Introduction
Through the implementation of e-governance, governments have substantially empowered themselves in terms of openness in operation, people engagement, information distribution, and increasing the speed of communication during the previous two decades. According to the World Bank, ’e-Governance’ refers to the use of information technologies (such as Wide Area Networks, the Internet, and mobile computing) by government agencies that have the potential to revolutionize relationships with citizens, corporations, and other arms of government. Less corruption, improved transparency, greater convenience, income growth, and/or cost reductions may be achieved as a result . e-Governance is a decision-making process that involves the use of ICT in governance systems. It ensures broader and deeper participation and involvement of citizens, institutions, NGOs, and businesses in the government system. In today’s democratic period, e-governance is a participatory method (Satyanarayana, 2004). E-government is concerned with communities and participants outside the organization, whereas e-governance is concerned with administration and management within an organization, whether public or private, large or small . In India, e-Governance is a relatively new notion. The launch of the National Satellite-Based Computer Network (NICENET) in 1987, followed by the District Information System of the National Informatics Centre (DISNIC) program to computerize all district offices in the country, for which free hardware and software were made available to state governments, provided the necessary impetus for e-governance. While the developed world and certain Asian countries have moved swiftly, India continues to lag in satisfying rising public aspirations. Massive population expansion, cultural diversity, acute poverty, and widespread illiteracy pose several challenges to government service delivery processes. The Government of India (GoI) is moving away from traditional modes of governance toward technological engagement in the governance process. The Government is currently in the transition phase, smoothly unleashing the power of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in governance. E-government is the implementation of e-governance or the modernization of the government’s procedures and operations through the use of ICT tools in order to transform the way it serves its constituents. . There are numerous e-Governance programs in place today, both at the center and the state levels. The Department of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances formulated the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) in 2006, with the goal of making all government services accessible to the common man, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and reliability of such services at affordable costs, and realizing the basic needs of the common man. Digital India was established in 2015 with the goal of digitally empowering the country.
Its essential components are as follows: establishing a safe and stable digital infrastructure. Second, digitally offering government services and establishing universal digital literacy. Some of the successful efforts include ”Aadhaar,” UIDAI-issued unique identification number that acts as confirmation of identity and address based on biometric data. It is being used to bring numerous benefits to members of society. Aadhar can be used to e-sign documents. Next, ”myGov.in” is a national citizen engagement platform where people may exchange ideas and participate in policy and governance issues. ”UMANG” is a Unified Mobile Application that gives users access to national and state government services such as Aadhar. Finally, there are services such as ”Digital Locker,” PAN, Employee Provident Fund, and so on. Citizens can use Digital Locker to digitally store vital documents such as mark sheets, PAN, Aadhar, and degree certificates. This lowers the need for physical documents and allows for easier document sharing.
In addition to the foregoing, state-level e-governance efforts include ”E-Seva” (Andhra Pradesh), which allows for the payment of utility bills as well as the issue of certifications, licenses, and permits. The ”Khajane Project” (Karnataka) digitalized the state’s treasury system. ”FRIENDS” (Kerala) is a one-stop-shop for paying taxes and other financial obligations to the state government. The ”Lokvani” Project (Uttar Pradesh) is a one-stop-shop for addressing disputes, maintaining property records, and delivering a variety of critical services.
In summary it can be said that there are four models for e-governance. The first one, is government to citizens (G2C) which is regarding the government services for the citizens. Payment of online bills, online registration of applications, copies of land record are few examples of this model. the second model is government to government (G2G) which are for services shared between the government. It may be horizontal meaning between different ministries of departments or vertical meaning between central to state government. Sharing of information between police departments of various states, government document exchange are a few examples of this model. Government to business (G2B model forms the third one. Sharing of information between the government and the private sector so to develop a bond takes place under this model. Collection of taxes, rejection and approval of patent, payment of bills and penalty all through the online mode are examples of this kind of model. The fourth one is named Government to employees (G2E) which is between the government and the government employees. Data submission from various government offices, filing of complaints by employees, appraisal of employees all examples of this model (Yadav and Singh, 2013).
In this current study, we have tried to cover the e-governance initiatives in India pertaining to Agriculture, Forestry, Sewage management and environmental flow of rivers. After a detailed discussion, we have come to how these initiatives may be utilized for better coverage and implementation of schemes pertaining to river Ganga and its banks. We have proposed how a convergence mechanism may be utilized for the cleanliness of the river with real-time monitoring as well as upliftment of farmers and other people dependent on the river.