Cloud Computing | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Overview 

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the Internet, offering various benefits to governments worldwide, including India. The Indian government is actively embracing cloud technology to expand its e-governance initiatives, reduce corruption, and improve service delivery.

Government of India's "MeghRaj" Initiative

• Introduction: The Government of India has launched the ambitious "MeghRaj" initiative to harness the benefits of cloud computing for e-governance.
• Objectives: MeghRaj aims to accelerate e-service delivery while optimizing government ICT spending.
• Architecture: The initiative envisions a set of discrete cloud computing environments, following government-issued protocols and standards.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing offers numerous advantages for governments and organizations alike:

• Seamless Connectivity: Users can access software from any device, promoting seamless file and setting transfer.
• Higher Accessibility: Cloud services enable email access and file storage from any computer.
• Improved Disaster Recovery: Cloud backups ensure immediate file availability in case of hardware failure.
• Cost-Saving: Cloud eliminates the need for costly infrastructure and maintenance.
• Scalability: Cloud services can be scaled up to meet increasing demand.
• Increased Collaboration and Flexibility: Cloud enables quick software updates and accessibility.
• Environmentally Friendly: Cloud computing reduces energy consumption and emissions.

Cloud Computing in Indian Governance

Several Indian government initiatives have successfully leveraged cloud computing:

• E-Gram Panchayat: Enhancing governance in villages through e-governance schemes.
• Indian Railways on Cloud: Centralized railway data management to minimize monetary losses.
• Kisan Suvidha: Providing farmers with real-time information on agriculture.
• DigiLocker: Public cloud-based document storage with digital verification.
• eHospital: Cloud-based healthcare management for faster services.
• National Initiatives: Cloud supports initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, My-Gov, and more.
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM): Uses a multi-cloud architecture to serve over 50,000 organizations.
• NIC's SaaS-based service: Empowers district administrators to create websites easily.
• NHAI's Cloud-Based Platform: Enables efficient management of project data for National Highway Authority.

Limitations of Cloud Computing

Despite its advantages, cloud computing has some limitations:

• Security Concerns: Sensitive data may be at risk, and encryption key loss can lead to data loss.
• Disaster Risks: Cloud servers can be vulnerable to natural disasters and power outages.
• Geographical Reach: Connectivity issues in one location can affect users elsewhere.
• Learning Curve: Users and managers may require time to adapt to cloud technology, and mistakes can have widespread impacts.
• Maintenance Costs: Monthly fees for cloud servers can add up.
• Internet Connectivity: Consistent internet access is crucial for cloud-based services.
• Data Control: Some organizations may be required to store data in specific locations due to regulations.

Conclusion

Cloud computing can significantly benefit e-governance initiatives by providing a cost-effective and efficient platform for multiple government agencies. However, addressing security, interoperability, and licensing issues is crucial for its successful implementation.