Building an alternative e-governance model : lessons from e-Gram in Gujarat

Date

2009

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

IT for Change, Bangalore, IN

Abstract

Though there is a strong case for treating access to ICTs as a public good, dominant models of ICT deployment fail to address key policy issues of who develops, controls, implements and monitors the technology. This research study explores what kind of development and local governance are served by the telecentre initiative in India, proceeding to elaborate principles for an e-governance model based on tenets of participation, social justice and equity, through an assessment of an e-governance initiative of the state of Gujarat, which operates by means of an off-line software application, 'e-Gram Software’ in nearly 9000 gram panchayats within the state.

Description

Keywords

INDIA--GUJARAT, E-GOVERNMENT, GOVERNANCE REFORM, SYSTEMIC INTEGRATION, EQUITY, TELECENTRES, SOCIAL JUSTICE, POPULAR PARTICIPATION, E-CITIZENS

Citation

DOI