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Communication, openness and transparency are the keys to a healthy state of being. And anything that facilitates these, fosters positivity and assurance in the minds of the people. It is the most ideal state.

Now, in order to achieve this ideal state in a country, what the government fundamentally needs is an effectual communication system. A phenomenon designated as e-governance.

Electronic governance or e-governance is inclusion of information and communication technology (ICT) for delivering government services, exchange of information communication transactions, integration of various stand-alone systems and services between government-to-customer (G2C), government-to-business (G2B), government-to-government (G2G) as well as back office processes and interactions within the entire government framework.

The major intent of E-Governance is to provide a SMARRT Government. SMARRT refers to Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive, Responsible and Transparent Government.

S – The use of ICT brings simplicity in governance through electronic documentation, online submission, online service delivery, etc.

M – It brings Morality to governance as immoralities like bribing, red-tapism, etc. are eliminated.

R – Due to reduced paperwork and increased communication speeds and decreased communication time, the Government agencies become responsive.

R – Technology can help convert an irresponsible Government Responsible. Increased access to information makes more informed citizens. And these empowered citizens make a responsible Government.

T – With increased morality, online availability of information and reduced red-tapism the process of governance becomes transparent leaving no room for the Government to conceal any information from the citizens.

Now, why is this important and can help foster transparency and build trust in the government…….

E-governance can be made instrumental in increasing governmental transparency and facilitate e-democracy. In the last twenty years, we have seen massive developments in information and communication system. And all this stems from a single fact that both the government as well as the private sector has realized its enormous implications on economy. That information and communication system is cardinal for the country’s economic transformations.

E-governance, as a service has a massive potential. Though it has already been constituted as a body, it still needs to be wholly established. E-governance has brought and will further bring a huge paradigm shift and redefine the relationship between the government and the people.

Technology by far, has taken the users by storm. People are receptive to this new change and adopting newer ways to drive maximum benefits.
Additionally, internet penetration and increase in mobile usage has made people unravel new potential.  Services based on electronic support are providing facilities to businesses and citizens in the most transparent, effectual, and cost-effective manner. Thus, all these in combination has empowered the citizens to have access to the government anytime, and anywhere. And most importantly, it has fostered transparency and built trust in the government.

But all these has just not fostered relationship with the citizens but also with the corporates. E-governance comes with a host of benefits for the organizations. In 2006, the Ministry of Company Affairs introduced the MCA-21 Initiative. A revolutionary step which for the first time allowed the entrepreneurs to reduce paperwork and reduced the possibility for corruption and the need to visit the MCA offices. This allowed them to register the company, file papers, and obtain clearances online for a fee.

E-governance is therefore, a great model for the government to connect with the citizens and help foster transparency and build trust. Now in order to achieve that wholly and more vigorously, the government should resort to IT firms for solutions. 3i Infotech is one such E-governance services provider. The company has a vertical exclusively dedicated to e-governance and holds immense experience in government project execution, Consultancy and Implementation.