E-governance in Rajasthan | RPSC Preparation: All subjects - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

The concept of e-Governance

• Definition: E-Governance refers to the use of electronic tools and technology by the government to provide services and information to the public.
• System Creation: It involves developing systems that integrate technology with administrative processes and human resources.
• Efficiency: E-Governance aims to deliver information and services to citizens more quickly.
• Advantages: It offers benefits for both the government and the public, enhancing overall efficiency and accessibility.

e-Governance Vision for Rajasthan

• Purpose of E-Governance: E-Governance leverages Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to enhance access to and quality of government information and services, as well as to provide greater opportunities for public participation in democratic processes.
• Vision and Strategy: The Government of Rajasthan recognizes the importance of a clear and achievable vision as a foundation for implementing e-Governance. A well-defined vision helps align stakeholders toward common goals and ensures focused efforts.
• Improving Governance and Employment: ICT will enhance monitoring and execution of welfare schemes, increasing government accountability and transparency. It will also create job opportunities for entrepreneurs through the establishment of Common Service Centers (CSCs) and kiosks.
• Enhancing Quality of Life: E-Governance aims to improve citizens' quality of life by providing citizen-centric services with better turnaround times and convenience.
• Empowering Masses and Promoting Equity: ICT helps reduce the time and cost of accessing services, empowering the masses and promoting equitable development. It includes mechanisms like citizen feedback systems, grievance handling, and online forums to bridge socio-economic divides.
• Rajasthan's Commitment: The Government of Rajasthan has prioritized e-Governance in recent years, developing proactive strategies for its effective implementation.

e-Governance Strategy

• The state of Rajasthan stands to gain significantly from a comprehensive enterprise IT strategy that aligns with the collective objectives of its departments. Instead of relying on separate, uncoordinated strategies for each department, an integrated IT strategy would enable executive agencies, constitutional offices, the Legislature, and the judicial branch to pool their efforts and resources. 
• This alignment would enhance value and promote cost-effective operations across the government. A unified IT strategy is crucial for creating synergy and ensuring that IT investments are in line with the state's goals for citizen and business services. To realize this vision, the Government of Rajasthan should concentrate on the following four key elements:
  • Customers: Understanding and addressing the needs and expectations of the citizens and businesses served by the government.
  • Services: Improving the quality and efficiency of government services provided to the public.
  • Delivery Channels: Enhancing the methods and platforms through which services are delivered to ensure accessibility and convenience.
  • Performance Measures: Establishing metrics to assess and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of IT initiatives and government services.

Institutional Structure

• Project e-Governance Mission Team (PeMT): Provides support to various departments in executing e-Governance projects.
• State e-Governance Council (Task Force): Offers leadership and vision for the State e-Government Plan, with the Chief Minister serving as the head.
• State Apex Committee (Empowered Committee): Develops strategies to achieve policy goals, oversees the State e-Governance program, and ensures its implementation.
• State e-Governance Mission Team (SeMT): Provides overall direction, ensures standardization and consistency, resolves issues, and supports the PeMTs.

Lok Mitra Project in Rajasthan

• Lok Mitra is primarily an urban-focused initiative centered around utility payments. It operates on a participatory model involving multiple stakeholders, including District Administration, various Departments, GoI organizations like BSNL, and financial institutions. 
• The first Lok Mitra Center was established in Jaipur in 2002, with three additional counters launched in the same year. These centers are owned and managed by the Department of IT & C, while financial management is handled by RajCOMP. Currently, Lok Mitra provides a range of utility services.

’Developed Housing and Recovery Software for the Board’

• It is a real-time system where an online, computer-generated receipt is issued to the user for the amount deposited. 
• The software operates in a single-user mode at each Circle office of the Board.