What do you understand by the term ‘good governance’? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples.

“The state of peace is not a state of nature, which is rather a state of war, so must the state of peace is established”. – Immanuel Kant

Good governance is the one that actively take measures to establish peace in society. It can be achieved when  the nation is run by virtuous people (as per Socrates) or the Philosopher King (as per Plato).

Good governance endeavour to establish Plato’s model of the just state which is that of a healthy organism where all the parts function for the benefit of the whole and whole benefits the parts.

Good governance has 8 major characteristics. These are participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follow the rule of law.

How far have e-governance initiatives by the state helped the beneficiaries?

• Better access to information – Its enhances the choices and dignity of citizens.
• Easier to claim rights – eg: e-passport seva.
• Easier to render duties: e-filing of tax returns, donations to PM relief fund etc
• Equality – Mahila E-Haat by GOI is an online marketing platform for women.
• Trust in governance – eg: e-tender and bidding.
• Hassle free services – eg: FASTags for toll collection

However, there are issues concerning penetration of internet, digital literacy, poverty and cyber security that hinders the beneficiaries from drawing benefits from e-governance.

e-Governance is getting momentum in India, but public awareness and the digital divide are important issues to be addressed.