E-governance refers to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for delivering government services, enhancing interaction with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government. In India, initiatives like Digital India, MyGov, and UMANG have strengthened transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

Achievements of E-Governance in India

1. Improved Transparency in Government Operations:

   RTI Online Portal: Allows citizens to file RTI applications digitally; over 38.5 lakh RTI applications filed till 2023 through online mode (DoPT).

   e-Samiksha: Used by PMO to monitor the progress of government projects; increases inter-departmental accountability.

2. Financial Accountability & Direct Benefit Transfers:

   Public Financial Management System (PFMS): Tracks funds disbursed under government schemes.

   DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer): Over ₹34 lakh crore transferred digitally to beneficiaries (as of 2023) under schemes like LPG subsidy (PAHAL), PM-KISAN, MNREGA.

3. Expansion of Citizen-Centric Service Delivery:

   DigiLocker: Over 200 million documents issued; helps reduce paper usage and document forgery.

4. ** Robust Grievance Redressal & Participatory Governance:**

   CPGRAMS: Centralized portal to register complaints; 20+ lakh grievances addressed in 2023.

5. Land and Property Record Modernization: In Karnataka, digitized records through Bhoomi Portal have drastically reduced property disputes.

6. Ease of Doing Business has been improved: India jumped from Rank 142 (2014) to 63 (2020) in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, partly due to digitisation efforts.

7. It has fuelled Electoral Reforms: cVIGIL App promoted Real-time reporting of Model Code of Conduct violations.

Inadequacies Hampering Enhancement of Features

1. Digital Divide: Rural-Urban Disparity: Only 37% of rural households had internet access (NFHS-5, 2019–21).

   Example:

2. Low Digital Literacy: Citizens may lack the skills to navigate e-portals.

   Example: Many people in rural areas rely on intermediaries for Aadhaar-related services, reducing direct access.

3. Language and Accessibility Barriers: Most e-portals are primarily in English or Hindi. This excludes non-Hindi speakers and the differently-abled.

4. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Concerns: Absence of a robust data protection law limits citizen confidence.

   Example: Aadhaar Data Leak (2018) and ransomware attacks raise questions over digital trust.

5. Lack of Interoperability Between Platforms: Different departments operate in silos.

   Example: Integration issues between state and central portals (e.g., PMAY-U portal not synced with some state housing records).

6. Resistance to Change by Bureaucracy: Lack of incentives or digital training makes officials reluctant.

7. Poor Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: Although platforms like CPGRAMS exist, resolution quality is often sub-par. Delayed or inadequate redress weakens accountability.

8. Limited Use of Big Data and AI: E-governance is still limited to transactional functions. Predictive governance and real-time feedback remain underutilized.

E-governance has the potential to make governance more citizen-centric, transparent, and accountable. However, bridging infrastructural, digital, and administrative gaps is essential to harness its full transformative potential.