Good Governance Now Through E-Governance (Keywords: transformation, cost, corruption, un-served groups) Thrust Area: Prospect of use

of ICT in Governance By Rajesh Kumar Research Scholar(IT), Faculty, MCA Course, University Department of Mathematics B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar And Dr. A. K. Singh Ex-Director, MCA Course, University Department of Mathematics B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar Abstract In a bid to make e-Governance a reality, Bihar is already taken a big leap towards e-Governance to adopt it as a state policy and implement egovernance as a tool for development and to ensure corruption-free administration. The lot has been done by the government but the services must reach to the downtrodden. The information, advertisement through different modes and training must be given so that these services must be fully functional. The state has proposed to constitute a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with the clear-cut objective of bringing about Information Technology (IT) transformation in the state. The SPV would constitute a tripartite joint venture of Companies at the estimated cost of Rs. 380 million to prepare software and strategy to introduce e-governance, raise funds for the development and spread of e-governance, develop information technology infrastructure and do capacity-building work for implementation of schemes so that a total IT transformation of the state is achieved. The bottom line is that mere installation of computer systems in various departments for functional purpose could not constitute e-governance. We are already ahead with regard to adoption and implementation of e-governance. The following services are given to the public through ICT: Online grievance registration, Jankari i.e phone based RTI support system(Bihar got e-governance gold medal for its project called 'Jankari' call centre), Online enrolment in electoral roll, online electricity bill payment, e-Gazette, information and public relations department for seeing states cabinet decisions on different issues in Hindi, website directory for category wise listing of different institutions and government tenders are also online. Bihar ministers provided with laptops under national e-governance plan but some minister once rubbished IT as an elitist tool, is taking a big leap towards e-governance. Everybody praised Bihar for introducing e-shakti, a smart card, for labourers covered under NREGA. Governments around the world are improving their service delivery mechanisms leveraging advances in Information & Communication Technologies (ICT). This paper will highlight the exposure to global practices

and increasing economic prosperity in India is making the citizens more demanding and quality conscious for the services availed from the Government. India's experience in e-Governance / ICT initiatives has demonstrated significant success in improving accessibility, cutting down costs, reducing corruption, extending help and increased access to un-served groups.