Good Governance rests on the pillars of knowledge and recognition of this set of knowledge by the decision makers and people alike. Digitization of this entire set of knowledge within a network which is open to all individuals opens up possibilities for all to access and use this knowledge, paving the way for Digital Governance or E-governance as it is more popularly known.
Introduction of Digital Governance ensures that citizens can participate in, and influence decision-making processes which affect them closely. Citizens no longer remain passive recipients of governance services provided to them, but can pro-actively decide the types and standards of governance services they want and the governance structures which can best deliver them.
ICT can influence governance processes possibly in 3 ways:
Technical role: Automation of repetitive governance tasks and thereby improving efficiency of governance processes. For instance, automated filing of tax forms, e-voting, periodic information reporting etc.
Supportive role: Use of ICT to complement existing efforts and processes to improve governance. For instance, use of Internet to catalyze existing efforts towards transparency in government information and functioning, or embedding use of emails in connecting decision-makers with their constituencies.
Innovative role: Use of ICT to initiate new governance services or new mechanisms for improved service delivery which would be impossible through non-ICT modes. For instance, online checking of status of an application (from remote and beyond office hours); providing instant access to the same information to all individuals through emails and website; ability to instantly access, compare or triangulate information from outside of the constituency or government sources etc.
Digital Governance in developing countries like Bangladesh does not imply linking every citizen to a digital node or giving them access to Internet and computers. It implies ensuring every community or a village has easy access to information available on the digital network and no one is excluded from accessing information on this network. Access to information could be through:
Private/individual ICT nodes such as individual access to Internet
Public ICT nodes such as community Internet centre, post offices, public phone booths, government information centres
Convergence of modes such as extension volunteers, community radios and local newspapers which have access to an ICT node and can then relay critical information to targeted users in a timely manner. (implying convergence of ICT with conventional modes)
It is evident that the use of Digital Governance transforms governance from “representative” to a more “individual based” form, and from “passive” to being “pro-active”. It does not require an individual to be based in the local constituency “in-situ” to influence or benefit from governance delivery services. Further as use of Digital Governance leads to closer contact of individuals with decision-makers/officials in the government, the impact is immediate. On the whole, it puts greater access and control over governance mechanism in the hands of individuals, and in process leads to more transparent, accountable and efficient governance.
A Government Information Infrastructure (GII), which is a network that connects all government agencies, is needed to ensure that citizens enjoy the full benefits of Digital Governance. Ultimately, the goal of Digital Governance is to enhance the interaction between three main actors in society; government, citizens and business in order to stimulate political, social and economic progress in the country.
Rahman Khan Uncategorized rahman.khan.john@gmail.com
