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MPA-017: Electronic Governance

MPA-017: Electronic Governance

IGNOU Solved Assignment Solution for 2023-24

If you are looking for MPA-017 IGNOU Solved Assignment solution for the subject Electronic Governance, you have come to the right place. MPA-017 solution on this page applies to 2023-24 session students studying in MPA courses of IGNOU.

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Assignment Code: MPA-17/Asst/TMA/2023-24

Course Code: MPA-017

Assignment Name: E-governance

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor



This assignment consists of Section I and II. There are five questions in each Section. You have to answer a total of five questions in about 400 words each. It is necessary to attempt at least two questions from each Section. Each question carries 10 marks.


SECTION–I


Q1) Discuss the significance of e-governance.

Ans) The impact of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) applications on public administration systems has been transformative, particularly in terms of administrative development and effective service delivery.

Administrative Development:

  1. Automation of Administrative Processes: ICT has enabled the automation of administrative processes within government organizations. Computerization and network connectivity have allowed for the creation of software systems tailored to specific departments, improving operational efficiency. These systems streamline tasks such as budgeting, accounting, and data management, reducing the need for manual intervention and paperwork.

  2. Reduction in Paperwork: The implementation of ICT has greatly cut down on the amount of paperwork that is required in government offices. The idea of having "less paper in the office" came about as a result of the rise of electronic communication and the storing of information in digital formats. Now that files, mail, paperwork, reports, and database are preserved electronically, the amount of paper documents that need to be physically moved has been greatly reduced.

  3. Quality of Services: ICT empowers governments to deliver services more efficiently and responsively. Through online platforms and web-based services, citizens can access government services quickly and conveniently. The increased capacity for online redressal of grievances ensures greater accountability and sensitivity to citizens' needs, enhancing the overall quality of public services.

  4. Elimination of Hierarchy: The usage of ICT has helped cut down on the delays in procedures that were created by the hierarchical structure of government institutions. The simultaneous transmission of information between different levels of the organisation is made possible by technologies such as intranets and LANs (local area networks). The bottlenecks that are often associated with hierarchical decision-making processes are removed as a result of this.


Change in Administrative Culture:

  1. Efficiency and Responsiveness: E-governance efforts that were driven by information and communications technology have brought about a change in the culture of administration by fostering efficiency and responsiveness. Officials in the government are now held to a higher standard of accountability, are more open to the scrutiny of the public, and are more responsive to the concerns of residents. Tools like online monitoring and reporting, video conferencing, and real-time reporting have all contributed to an increase in the efficiency of public administration.

  2. Elimination of Bureaucratic Pathologies: Traditional bureaucratic institutions frequently experience bureaucratic pathologies, which are commonly manifested by inefficiency, excessive paperwork, and protracted wait times. The use of information and communications technology has been critical in overcoming these dysfunctions since it has helped to streamline administrative procedures, cut down on paperwork, and increase transparency. This change contributes to the development of an administrative culture that is more responsive and effective.

  3. Involvement of All Levels: ICT facilitates communication and collaboration across all levels of government organizations. Intranet and LAN technologies enable the simultaneous sharing of information and data, eliminating the need for hierarchical information flow. This involvement of all levels in decision-making contributes to a more inclusive and responsive administrative culture.

  4. Norms of Accountability and Openness: E-governance initiatives have brought administrative actions under public scrutiny, promoting norms and values of accountability, openness, integrity, fairness, equity, responsibility, and justice. This shift towards greater transparency and accountability fosters a culture of ethical governance.


Q2) Write a note on the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Management Information Systems (MIS) in administration.

Ans) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are specialized Decision Support Systems that revolutionize the way governments capture, store, check, integrate, analyse, and display data using digitized maps. In GIS, every record or digital object is associated with a specific geographic location. The integration of maps with spatially oriented databases and other datasets empowers government departments to generate valuable information for planning, problem-solving, and decision-making, enhancing their productivity and the quality of their decisions.


GIS offers several advantages for government functions:

  1. Automation of Administrative Processes: The automation of administrative procedures inside government entities is made possible with the use of GIS. Departments have developed software systems that significantly improve operational efficiency as a direct result of increased computerization and network connectivity. These systems automate a variety of functions, including budgeting, accounting, and data management, and as a result, there is less of a need for manual involvement and paperwork.

  2. Reduction in Paperwork: One of the immediate impacts of GIS is the substantial reduction in paperwork. Electronic communication and digital information storage have led to the concept of the "less paper office." This approach involves transmitting files, mail, and other information electronically, minimizing the physical movement of paper documents.

  3. Improved Quality of Services: The use of GIS gives governments the ability to deliver their services in a more effective and responsive manner. Online access to government services provides an improvement in the level of those services provided to the public. The ability of public authorities to respond to citizen complaints through an internet platform increases both their accountability and their sensitivity to the requirements of the populace.

  4. Elimination of Hierarchy: GIS reduces procedural delays caused by hierarchical processes within government organizations. Intranet and LAN technologies enable the simultaneous transmission of information across different organizational levels, eliminating bottlenecks associated with traditional hierarchical decision-making processes.


Change in Administrative Culture

  1. Efficiency and Responsiveness: The implementation of GIS-driven e-governance initiatives have led to a shift in administrative culture. Government officials are now more accountable, open to public scrutiny, and responsive to citizens' concerns. Real-time monitoring, video conferencing, and reporting tools have enhanced the effectiveness of public administration.

  2. Elimination of Bureaucratic Pathologies: The traditional bureaucratic institutions have frequently been plagued by inefficiency, excessive paperwork, and prolonged wait times. The use of GIS has improved the efficiency of administrative procedures, cut down on problems caused by bureaucracy, and increased transparency. This change contributes to the development of an administrative culture that is more responsive and effective.

  3. Involvement of All Levels: GIS facilitates communication and collaboration across all levels of government organizations. Intranet and LAN technologies enable the simultaneous sharing of information and data, eliminating the need for hierarchical information flow. This inclusive approach involves all levels in decision-making, contributing to a more responsive administrative culture.

  4. Norms of Accountability and Openness: E-governance projects have brought hitherto secret administrative actions to the attention of the general public, so advancing the principles and values of accountability, openness, integrity, fairness, equity, responsibility, and justice. A culture of ethical governance is being fostered as a result of this change towards greater openness and accountability.


Q3) Analyse the implementation of e-panchayat project in Andhra Pradesh.

Ans) The e-Panchayat project in Andhra Pradesh represents a significant step towards enhancing the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through the application of information and communication technology (ICT). The implementation of this project has aimed to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in local governance.


Scope and Objectives:

The e-Panchayat project in Andhra Pradesh is a comprehensive initiative that covers a wide range of functions and services at the gram panchayat level. Its primary objectives include:

  1. Digitization of Records: The project sought to digitize various records, documents, and data related to gram panchayats, making them easily accessible and reducing paperwork.

  2. Transparency: The goal of the project was to improve the openness and transparency of the operations of PRIs by making information more readily available online. It was possible for citizens to gain access to information regarding plans, procedures, and decisions.

  3. Accountability: The purpose of the project was to ensure that PRI functionaries were held accountable for their acts and decisions by utilising digital records and online reporting methods.

  4. Improved Service Delivery: The goal of the project was to improve overall citizen satisfaction by streamlining the delivery of public services through the use of online platforms, hence reducing wait times.


Features and Components:

  1. Web-Enabled Software: The project generated web-enabled software that aligns with the sectoral functions of gramme panchayats. The programme consists of about 30 main modules and 150 sub-modules. These modules include a wide variety of topics pertaining to services, such as administration, agriculture, irrigation, elections, housing, education, and more.

  2. Information Dissemination: The dissemination of information to citizens regarding schemes, procedures, regulations, and laws is the primary objective of this project. Citizens are given the ability to access critical information regarding activities of the government.

  3. Online Transactions: Citizens can use the e-Panchayat platform for various online transactions, such as paying bills, applying for certificates, and registering complaints or grievances.

  4. GIS Integration: The technology known as Geographic Information System (GIS) is being incorporated into the project in order to provide assistance with land records, property tax assessment, and property mapping. Transactions involving land are guaranteed to be accurate as a result of this.

  5. Feedback Mechanism: The project includes mechanisms for citizens to provide feedback, register complaints, and seek assistance. These systems help monitor service quality and responsiveness.


Impact and Benefits:

  1. Transparency: The project has significantly enhanced transparency by making government information accessible to citizens. It has empowered citizens with knowledge about government activities and decisions.

  2. Efficiency: Online service delivery and streamlined processes have reduced bureaucratic delays, resulting in more efficient service delivery.

  3. Accountability: With digital records and online reporting mechanisms, PRI functionaries are held accountable for their actions and decisions, reducing opportunities for corruption.

  4. Citizen Engagement: The project has encouraged citizen participation in local governance, allowing them to play an active role in decision-making and monitoring.

  5. Reduced Paperwork: The digitization of records has reduced paperwork and administrative burdens on PRIs.

  6. Improved Revenue Collection: The online payment gateway has improved revenue collection, particularly in areas like property tax.


SECTION–II


Q4) Briefly describe the Saukaryam Project of Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation of Andhra Pradesh.

Ans)The Saukaryam Project is an initiative that is both forward-thinking and focused on the needs of the city's residents that is being carried out by the Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (VMC) in Andhra Pradesh, India. The provision of public services, the engagement of citizens, and the promotion of effective governance are all aims of this initiative.


Objective:

The Saukaryam Project's major goal is to standardise and digitise the many municipal services that are provided by the Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation. Its goals are to make these services more easily accessible to the general public, to reduce the number of obstacles posed by bureaucracy, to increase transparency, and to improve overall governance.


Features:

  1. Online Service Delivery: As part of the project, a variety of municipal services will be made available online by utilising information technology. There is no longer a requirement for citizens to physically visit government offices in order to get these services because they can be accessed through the official website or mobile app.

  2. Wide Service Portfolio: The Saukaryam Project covers a broad spectrum of services, including property tax payments, birth and death certificates, trade licenses, building permits, and more. This comprehensive approach ensures that citizens can fulfil various administrative requirements conveniently.

  3. Ease of Payments: The online payment gateway, which gives residents the opportunity to pay their property taxes, fees, and other charges electronically, is one of the more expressive components of the project. This decreases the need for cash transactions and makes financial relations with the municipal corporation easier to manage.

  4. Real-Time Updates: The system provides real-time updates and notifications to citizens regarding the status of their applications or requests. This transparency ensures that citizens are informed at every step of the process.

  5. Mobile Application: The Saukaryam mobile app enables locals to access services and information while they are on the move, making this process even more easy for them. The application is intuitive to use and was developed to meet the requirements of a varied customer base.

  6. GIS Integration: Technology based on a Geographic Information System (GIS) is incorporated into the project in order to provide services relating to the computation of property taxes, the maintenance of land records, and the mapping of properties. Transactions involving real estate are guaranteed to be accurate as a result of this.

  7. Complaint Redressal: The plan calls for the establishment of a channel via which locals can convey their dissatisfaction with various aspects of the services provided by the municipality. These concerns are kept track of, and the system makes it easier to resolve them in a timely manner.

  8. Digital Records: The Saukaryam Project keeps digital records of a variety of documents and certificates, making it simpler for residents to receive copies of these items when they are required to do so.

  9. Training and Capacity Building: Training and capacity-building programmes are provided for VMC's staff as part of the organization's efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the project. These programmes equip staff members with the skills necessary to effectively manage the digital platform and respond to questions from citizens.


Q5) Describe the features of the Right to Information Act 2005.

Ans) The Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI Act) is a landmark legislation in India that empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities.


The feature of RTI are the following:

  1. Applicability: With the exception of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is governed by its own set of rules regarding the access to information, the RTI Act is applicable throughout the entirety of India.

  2. Public Authorities: The legislation applies to public authorities, which include government departments, ministries, and undertakings in the public sector. Additionally, the act applies to any organisation or body that is supported or controlled by the government.

  3. Right to Information: Every citizen now has the legal right to request information from their respective government agencies thanks to the RTI Act. It is not restricted to Indian citizens but also applies to people who are not from India.

  4. Request for Information: Citizens can file a formal request (application) for information in writing or through electronic means. The request should be addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned public authority.

  5. Time Limit: The RTI Act mandates that public authorities respond to an RTI request within 30 days. In certain cases, involving life and liberty, the response time is reduced to 48 hours.

  6. Exceptions: While the act promotes transparency, it also recognizes that certain information may be exempt from disclosure. These exemptions include information related to national security, third-party personal information, confidential Cabinet documents, and more.

  7. Fees: Public authorities can charge a nominal fee for providing information. There are fee waivers for individuals below the poverty line and other marginalized groups.

  8. Appeals: If an applicant is not satisfied with the response received or if their request is rejected, they have the right to appeal. The first appeal is made to a higher officer within the public authority. If still dissatisfied, a second appeal can be made to the Information Commission at the state or central level.

  9. Information Commissions: The RTI Act establishes independent Information Commissions at the state and central levels. These commissions are responsible for hearing appeals, ensuring compliance with the act, and imposing penalties on erring officials.

  10. Penalties: The act contains provisions for sanctions that can be levied against public employees who knowingly conceal information or offer information that is inaccurate. The violation may result in disciplinary sanctions, monetary fines, or both.

  11. Transparency Measures: Public authorities are required to proactively publish certain categories of information on their websites to reduce the need for citizens to file RTI requests.

  12. Whistleblower Protection: The RTI Act includes provisions to protect individuals who file RTI applications or provide information from any harassment, intimidation, or harm.

  13. Expansive Definition of Information: The act defines "information" broadly to include records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, advice, press releases, circulars, and more. This ensures that citizens can request a wide range of information.

  14. Promoting Accountability: By providing citizens with access to information, the RTI Act helps in holding public authorities accountable for their actions and decisions.

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