Electronic Governance popularly referred to as E-Governance or e-gov is broadly defined as an “application of Information technology to the functioning of the Government”. For the past few years, a great deal of focus has shifted to this concept which has varying meaning and significance. Initially, the term was a little more than a general recognition of a confluence of information technology developments and application and use of these technologies by government entities. With the passage of time however, the term is being used as a reference to both current applications of IT to government operations and a goal of realizing more efficient and transparent performance of government functions. E-Governance involves access to government information and services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a way that is focused on the needs of the citizens. E-gov relies heavily on the effective use of Internet and other emerging technologies to receive and deliver information and services easily, quickly, efficiently and inexpensively. Here are the references to some of the good resource websites on the topic of E-Governance….
E-Gov Centre, Ministry of Information Technology http://egov.mit.gov.in Ministry of Information Technology, Government of India has set up a Centre for E-Governance at MIT. The objective of the Centre is to showcase existing tools and applications in E-Governance and also serve as a forum for government officials, legislators, industry, and various other key players to come together, discuss, learn and explore issues of shared importance. The website of the Centre gives useful links to international sites on e-gov and also provides details about the E-Governance initiatives by the various State and UT Governments in India.
Firstgov, US Government http://www.firstgov.gov A one point source of information about the US Government, this site is comprehensive and easy to navigate. The portal site acts as a gateway and connects to 30 million pages of Government information, services and online transactions. Categories on the site include featured subjects, transactions and online services for citizens as well as contact details of various Govt entities and it serves as a good working example of e-governance.
IBM’s institute for Electronic Government http://www.ieg.ibm.com The Institute for Electronic Government, IBM Corporation (IEG), was founded in 1995 as a resource for public sector leaders worldwide in electronic government. The IEG focuses on issues including public policy as it relates to technology strategy and execution, economic development and education, online citizen and business services, and e-democracy. A highlighting feature of the site is IEG webcasts and IEG TV Channels focusing on various development sectors and how e-gov is making a difference.
Development Gateway http://www.developmentgateway.org This World Bank sponsored portal website focuses on global development issues, from which users can access information, resources, and tools, and into which they can contribute their own knowledge and experience. The Gateway aims to help fulfill the knowledge and communication needs of the government officials across the globe regarding development issues as well as promote greater transparency and accountability of government policies and programmes. The portal contains numerous interesting articles and links on E-Governance.
Center for Digital Government, US http://www.centerdigitalgov.com US Government’s Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute providing government and industry leaders with decision support, research and educational resources to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century. The website offers information on a series of unique programmes covering the critical policy, executive leadership and technology applications surrounding electronic government.
Digital Governance http://www.digitalgovernance.org The site is an excellent source of case studies, articles and publications related to digital or electronic governance. Also describes various models of e-gov and how information flow can be handled in the government through the effective use of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies).