Study of citizen centric e-governance projects in states of India from the user perspective

Abstract

This dissertation will explore the concept of e-Governance as prevalent in many countries, its history of development and also examine certain successful models in countries like USA and South Korea to visualize the restricting factors which prevented its growth in India. Some e-Governance projects/programmes in India, their status, success or failures will also be examined. This analysis gives an insight into the limiting factors that should be removed for smooth and successful adoption/implementation of e-Governance practices in India. The examination of theories and concept, success stories especially in respect of USA and South Korea provides various lessons which can be drawn and implemented in India. The dissertation has been carried out in India using a combination of case studies, survey and Focus Group Discussion as Research Methodologies. The proposed dissertation asserts that the previous focus has been more on providing ICT access without considering whether access of the type being provided is the type required by the end user. This dissertation has also uses secondary data to analyse successful e-Governance projects implemented in Gangnam gu, in South Korea and in Manor, Texas, USA. Some cases from India will also be explored to assess the stage of implementation. The cases in South Korea and USA along with survey conducted give a detailed insight into initiatives that may be required to put e-Governance programs in India on a right path. The dissertation attempts to look into how access and usage of e-Governance projects need to be looked in the context of the user/development, how it can be expanded to include choice of people/end user. Such an evaluation will provide insight to design user sensitive model for new projects or for any mid-course correction/repositioning of e-Governance projects. Technology may be a path for organizational reform but users involvement for the end i.e. development is essential as they know best when rational technology driven programs will become inappropriate. It is only then we can guard against information age failure. Any system evolves, develops and gets adopted in due course. An effective leadership initiative will be required to ensure successful implementation of the projects.