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Survey of Literature
In the present era of information society, there is a growing importance for the
applications of ICTs to solve the problems of various sectors of society. The
dynamics of public administration in India have changed drastically with the
introduction of e-governance as a guiding concept in the early 1990s. Citizens, the
world over, have been demanding smaller, effective and responsive governments,
obviously inspired by the unprecedented and rapid success of the finance capital in
the global market. Consequently, policy makers began the search for smaller and
efficient governments. Re-engineering of service systems, performance management,
transparency in government operations, downsizing or right-sizing the government
workforce, emphasis on delivery of reliable and quick public services and citizen
satisfaction came to be considered as benchmarks by most of the administrators. In
the present era of information society, there is a growing importance for the
applications of ICTs to solve the administrative problems of societies. Information
technology also known as Information and Communication(s) Technology(ICT)is
concerned with the use of technology in managing and processing information,
especially in organizations. ICT is an umbrella term that includes any communication
device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and
network hardware and software, satellite systems, etc. To analyze the use of ICTs in
different sectors of bureaucratic structures and administrative institutions, the
researcher attempted to review various experiences of ICT applications in
development activities from all over the world. In this background, the main research
goal of this study is to understand the impact of e-governance in the administration
29
and bureaucracy in India. For this, we have utilized various indicators and surveyed
different methodologies from various studies. In the following pages through light on
the literature available in the areas of ICT and administrative structures published at
international and national levels.
Review of Literature
Review of Literature is a significant part of any research. The investigator
acquires information about what has been done in the field of study, gather up-to date
information about previous researches in the area and obtain information on the topic
of investigation. A familiarity with available literature in the area of research is
required for making, new grounds and the proper designing of the study. Review of
related studies further avoids duplication of the work that has already been done in
that area. It also helps the investigator to study the various aspects of the concept in
its multi – dimensional perspective. The researcher reviewed many a book, articles,
reports and websites in the areas of administrative development and ICT and its
application in socio-economic development domain with international and national
perspectives to understand the different concepts and issues of in ICT-led governance
activities. The studies were classified into different categories like theoretical works,
international, national and local experiences and are presented as under:
30
Books
David Garson. G, (2006)1, explains that the use of technology in government
has since exploded, and today its complexity, sophistication and universality has
spawned not just a huge industry to serve and support the unique needs of public –
sector IT, but also has led to everything from a media market to education for Chief
Information Officers (CIOs). It provides a comprehensive overview of the political
issues raised by information policy in the public sector and administrative issues that
managers will likely encounter in governing the vertical state. It also combines the
theory with practice on everything from e-democracy, access and privacy to
information planning, partnerships, project management and implementation issues.
Harris Roger and Rajesh Rajora (2006)2 in their report examine the application of
large –scale approaches to the use of Information and Communications Technology
(ICT) for electronic governance and poverty reduction. The study examined 18
development projects in India that make use of ICTs in the form of community
telecentres for the benefit of the poor. The study established that several projects have
failed to understand the importance of cultivating close relationships with their
beneficiary community, either by employing inappropriate staff within telecentres or
by failing to supply incentives for those staff to ensure that they are sensitive to the
needs of the community. Finally, the authors conclude that as a result, the quality of
the projects has suffered. 1David Garson. G, (2006), Public Information Technology and E-Governance: Managing the Virtual State, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, USA.
2Harris Roger and Rajesh Rajora (2006), Empowering the Poor: Information and Communications Technology for Governance and Poverty Reduction-A Study of Rural Development Projects in India, UNDP-APDIP ICT4D Series, UNDP.
31
Kiran Prasad (2004)3 illustrates the applications of ICTs for recasting development
in India and several other developing societies. He explored the application of ICTs in
the core sectors of agriculture, healthcare, geographic information system,
networking, rural and industrial development. Another major focus of the book is the
implication of communication convergence, the development of cyber journalism,
electronic organizational communication, e-public relations, e-governance and e-
democracy in the era of globalization. He raised several fundamental questions on
development policy and communication research and responds to the polemic issue of
bridging the digital divide in India that can inspire the development efforts of several
developing countries.
Mishra.D.D (2005:290)4 addressed the issue of combating corruption from the
system of delivering public services. Though e-governance offers a viable offers
strategy to reduce corruption from delivery system, it is not a panacea. It assists
change and creates efficient, consistent, transparent and accountable system, with no
scope for arbitrary discretion, and empowers people by facilitating them to check the
status online from anywhere and give feedbacks/ complaints without fearing wrath of
public servants.
3Kiran Prasad (2004), Information and Communication Technology: Recasting Development, B.R. Publishing Corporation, New Delhi. 4Mishra.D.D (2005), “e-Governance : Responsive and Transparent Service Delivery Mechanism”, in, Amita Singh (ed), Administrative Reforms : Towards Sustainable Practices, Sage Publications, New Delhi
32
RadhaKuamri(2002)5, opined that E-government is a mechanism through which
information and communication technology can be adopted in governance systems.
E-governance will allow citizens to communicate with government and participate in
government’s policy making. Many developing countries are searching for different
ways to bring about e-governance. The mechanism of e-Seva has adopted in India, by
the state of Andhra Pradesh (A.P.), proves to be successful in bringing about e-
governance. The impact of e-Seva has been analysed basing on a field study
conducted in December 2002.The results indicate that the impact of e-Seva as an e-
governance project has been very encouraging and the citizens are highly satisfied
with the project. Irrespective of age factor and educational background, customers are
using the services offered at the e-Sevacentres. The study indicate that the citizens are
ready to witness the transformation of government from”procedure and power
centered” to “citizen & service centered” using information technology as a tool.
Satyanarayana. J (2000)6 described the concept and implementation of Computer-
aided Administration of Registration Department (CARD) project in Andhra Pradesh.
The project is directed at altering the antiquate procedures that have governed the
registration system, affecting sales of urban and agricultural properties. The CARD
project ensures speedy, transparent, easily accessible and reliable services to citizens.
After about six months of operation of project, the results are found to be highly
encouraging. About 80 per cent of transactions are still being handled manually at a
few places due to hardware and software related problems. During the period of
stabilization, the manual system of copying the indexing of documents was continued 5RadhaKuamri Ch. (2002), “Impact of e-Seva in Andhra Pradesh A Study”, Promice of E-Governance, 6Satyanarayana. J (2000), “Computer-aided Registration of Deeds and Stamp Duties”, in, SubhashBhatnagar and Robert Schware (eds), Information and Communication Technology in Development, Cases from India, New Delhi ; Sage Publications
33
along with the computerized process. This has put unavoidable additional burden on
the staff. Initial results (during the period from 4 November to 31 May 1999) indicate
a good possibility of the project shaping into an extremely citizen-friendly application
with prospects of further improvements and replication in other states.
Subash C. Bhatnagar and Robert Schware (2000)7 conducted 16 case studies and
explained the successful use of ICT in rural development. They attempted to traces
the history of ICT use in rural India, examines some of the problems that have
afflicted the implication of rural development programmes, at the same time showing
how ICT applications could overcome them, assesses the early efforts in ICT use, and
proposes a scheme by which to classify ICT applications. There are sixteen case
studies written by administrators who lead project in their areas, which spell out the
various applications of ICT that have made a difference in the delivery of services or
products in rural India. Among the services covered are health care milk distribution,
disaster management, postal services, telephones, and services for disabled. These
applications of ICT cover the use of simple and inexpensive technologies at one end,
and sophisticated satellite-based communication at the other.
There has been considerable debate in India about the quality of public service
delivery in the present information era and the state governments have attempted in
recent years to improve delivery systems more effectively. In this context, the World
Bank (2006)8 undertook a study that focuses on specific innovations in service 7Subash C. Bhatnagar and Robert Schware (2000), Information and Communication Technology in Development: Cases from India, New Delhi; Sage Publications. 8 World Bank (2006) Reforming Public Services in India: Drawing from Success, New Delhi; Sage
Publications.
34
delivery across India. The study identified common factors underlying their success.
In doing so, it highlights the efficacy of six instruments to improve service fostering
competition, simplifying transactions, restructuring agency processes,
decentralization, building broad political support for program delivery, and
strengthening accordingly mechanisms. Covering a range of services and cases such
as ITC’s e-Choupal, Madhya Pradesh’s effort to decentralize teacher management,
Karnataka’s road transport corporation, Andhra Pradesh’s e-Seva, and Tamil Nadu’s
success in improving human development outcomes were discussed in the study. The
study has drawn lessons that can help improve service delivery across sectors and
facilitate the transplanting of success stories to other settings. Reforming public
services in India has much to offer the politician and the planner, as well as the
scholar and the activist. With its insightful analysis of existing experiments in village,
city and state administration in India, this report serves as a valuable guide for
students of public policy, governance and development.
Ashok Kumar (2000:94,104)9 presents a review of the computerization programme
of 1,124 Mandal Revenue Offices (MROs) in the state and its first application- the
delivery of statutory certificates stating caste, place and date of birth and landholding
to individuals in a few minutes without the current delay of 20 to 30 days. The study
found that information technology has been successfully introduced in phase I on
August 1998 in 90 MROs for issue of integrated caste certificates. Data has been re-
validated and the staff trained. Citizen interface counters have been set up.
Application of software has been identified and pilot studies are being conducted. The 9Ashok Kumar (2000), “Computerization of Mandal Revenue Offices in Andhra Pradesh: Integrated Certificate Application”, in, SubhashBhatnagar and Robert Schware (eds), Information and Communication Technology in Development, Cases from India, New Delhi ; Sage Publications
35
actual impact would be felt when the season for the requirement of the certificates
sets in. The certificates are mainly issued to students belonging to socially backward
classes at the start of the academic year, i.e., in the month of April through July, to
obtain the benefits of the reservation policy. Phase II has already been initiated. A
complementary land records package has been implemented in the remaining 230
MROs located at the headquarters of the erst-while mandals of Ranga Reddy district
of Andhra Pradesh.
Journal Articles and Working Papers
AkshayMathur and DhirubhaiAmbani (2005)10 expressed that the application of
ICT solutions for the development of rural India and other developing countries opens
up a vast majority range of possibilities. Giving an opportunity to the vast majority of
the population living in rural areas, to cross the digital divide to obtain access to
information resource and services provided by the ICT is the next revolution waiting
to happen. Although this is a development issue, it is just not the government, non-
government organizations or the rural masses that have a role to play. The new
technologies being developed can help in providing information resources at a low
cost and make applications feasible and profitable. The authors concluded that a large
number of hurdles still remain but creative ideas, breakthrough ICT technologies and
committed organizations can usher in the next revolution in the developing world.
10AkshayMathur and DhirubhaiAmbani (2005), “ICT and Rural Societies: Opportunities for Growth”, in, The International Information and Liberty Review, Vol. 37, No.4, December
36
Bose B.P.C. (2003)11 opined that use of Information and Communication Technology
in administration is a novel and innovative method that had the potential to change
the nature and scope of administrative systems. e-Governance is pre-condition for
Good Governance. The introduction of e-Governance requires redefinition of the
fundamentals in a number of spheres. e-Governance is multi-dimensional in
character. The implementation of e-Governance requires adjustments at all levels;
structural, functional, procedural, technological, behavioral, etc. e-Governance is
impractical in the light of political, social and economic problems that we are
confronting – illiteracy, lack of infrastructure, negative work culture, behavioural
dimension, accessibility, integration of activities of various actors and agencies,
political instability, political leadership etc., However, the author concludes that there
is considerable agreement on thrust areas in reforms and priorities, especially the
need to make administration more citizen-centered flexible, accountable and
transparent. Two major instruments of any governance is potential leadership and
bureaucracy. Constant Political commitment and support and change in the
bureaucratic mindset for these reform initiatives may transform them into a reality, if
not to the fuller extent.
Cecchini and Scott (2003)12 summarized a range of ICT- based applications in India.
These applications provide various services to the people, the services include
telemedicine, e-government services, and improved access to microfinance through
smart cards. The author identified computerized land records as one of the potential
11BoseB.P.C. (2003), “E-Governance: Reform Initiatives in Andhra Pradesh”, in, Dynamics of Public Administration, Vol. 13-14, No. 1&2, January –December. 12Cecchini and Scott, (2003), “Can Information and Communications Technology Applications Contribute to Poverty Reduction? Lessons from Rural India”, in, Information Technology for Development, Vol. 10, No. 2
37
benefits to Indian citizens through increased transparency, less corruption, better
delivery of government services and greater government responsiveness. The author
felt that in earlier examples of CARD in Andhra Pradesh, and STAR and REGiNET
in Tamil Nadu, this potential is not always realized. The computerization of one
element of the whole process of the production, registration and transfer of
documents does not always produce quicker response overall, reduced corruption or
increased transparency of the whole process.
Chapman and Tom Slaymaker (2002)13 investigate the role that ICTs have to play
in developing countries, focusing particularly on those rural areas that are currently
least affected by the latest affected by the latest advances in the ‘digital divide’ debate
which focuses on information disparities to assess the potential role of ICTs in the
context of current rural development paradigms. It addresses the current divergence
between the technology derives and the potential beneficiaries in the rural areas in
developing countries, together with the opportunities arising from the continued
convergence of ICTs ,old and new. It further explores how ICTs could have greater
role in future rural development strategies through the integration of available
technologies and the diverse institutional and knowledge landscapes that exist in
developing countries. It concludes that there are numerous, well established barriers
to improving information exchanges like knowledge capture, the high cost of
information access and infrastructure constraints all affect the equitable distribution
of information in all rural areas. However, technological advances in ICTs have
13Chapman and Tom Slaymaker, (2002), ICTs and Rural Development: Current Interventions and Opportunities for Action, Working Paper No. 192, Overseas Development Institute, London, November.
38
reduced the cost and increased the quantity and speed of information transfer
dramatically.
Dinesh Dada (2006)14 provides an insight to the trends that exist within academic
writings in the much talked about area of e-government, and the potential they hold
for developing countries. While there is much hype about success stories, the bitter
truth that presents itself is that the majority of e-government projects in developing
countries fail. Though, the reasons are so many, the major problem is seen to be the
gaps that exist between the design and reality of the system. The topic of e-
government is still quite new, and perspectives are quite likely to change over time.
Gollakota (2008)15analyzed a telecentre kiosk initiative, also in Tamil Nadu, by the
sugar manufacturer EID Parry aimed at providing information to farmers, with some
of the kiosks being company owned but some operating through kiosk franchisees
who were also able to offer more general computer-based services such as Internet
browsing, communication services and desk top publishing. The author concluded
that better relationship between local farmers and company were achieved through
the project, which had 36 kiosks by 2006, but there were also problems. There were
concerns that caste, community and gender influenced access to the kiosks and
therefore that poor and disadvantaged were often not reached by the initiative. In
addition, there were serious problems of financial viability for the franchisees since,
in poor rural areas, it is difficult to generate adequate revenue to make such a business
viable.
14Dinesh Dada (2006), “The Failure of E-Government in Developing Countries: A Literature Review”, in, The Electronic Journal on Information System in Developing Countries,Vol. 26, No. 1 15Gollakota (2008), “ICT Use by Business in Rural India: The Case of EID Parry,sIndiagriline”, in, Indian Journal of Information Management, Vol. 28, No. 4
39
Heeks (2001)16 provided three main changes potential for improving efficiency and
effectiveness of government services by introducing e-governance. This is achieved
by introducing ICT tools which results in reduced delivery time, increased quality of
services, reduced cost, innovative outputs and an increased quality of outputs. The
first potential is in replacing human executed information handling processes of
governments such as receiving, management and transmission of information. The
author refers to this approach as “Automation”. The second potential can achieved by
using ICT tools to aid the decision making process of the government staff which he
calls “Information”. The third potential is “transformation” of the government
services in which ICT supported processes will take a key role in executing
information processes and support decision –making by government staff.
Inderjeet Singh Sodhi, (2007)17 stated that “At present electronic delivery of public
services is largely confined to basic and regulatory services, such as issue of
certificates / licenses and payment of bills. It enhances accountability, responsiveness
and transparency in the delivery of services and also checks corruption. Information
technology provides greater transparency in government operations. The process of
IT and e-governance is simple, easy, inexpensive, and open to a vast array of
information and services. They help to enhance the quality of public service provision
to the poor, downtrodden, and marginalized sections of the society and also to the
women and rural people”.
16Heeks (2001) “Understanding e-Governance for Development”, in, I-Government Working paper series paper No. 11, Manchester: Institute for Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester 17Inderjeet Singh Sodhi, (2007), “Role of Information Technology and E-Governance in Effective Delivery of Public Service-Initiatives, Challenges and Prospects “, in,Indian Journal of Public Administration, Vol. LIII, No. 4, October-December
40
Kumar and Best, M .L. (2006)18described the SARI (Suitable Access in Rural India)
project in the state of Tamil Nadu. The authors selected 80 telecentres kiosks were set
offering a range of services including basic computer education, w-email, web
browsing and various e-government services including the provision of certificates.
Although the kiosks succeeded initially in delivering the e-government services,
many failed subsequently. The authors identified a range of reasons for the failure
including lack of training lack of trained staff, movement of key officials and, a
deeper level, opposition from government officials at the local level who perceived a
threat from the kiosks to their role, authority and influence in the community and,
more darkly, to their opportunities for corruption.
Kuriyan, R., Ray, I and Toyama.K. (2008)19 examined the extensive
Akshayatelecentre project in the state of Kerala, and argued that it is problematic to
achieve the twin goals of commercial profitability of telecentres with social
development for those at the bottom of the pyramid.
Mahesh Chandra and NagarajKulkarni (2011)20 analyzed the working of National
Transport Register (NTR) in India. The authors noticed that National Transport
Project is one of the Mission mode projects under National e-governance Plan. The
Registered Transport Offices (RTOs) in various states and Union Territories across
the country are responsible for granting the Driving License, registration of motor
vehicles and also providing various other services to the citizens. It was observed
18Kumar and Best, M .L. (2006), “Impact and Sustainability of e-Government Services in Developing Countries: Lessons Learned from Tamil Nadu, India”, in, The Information Society, Vol. 22, No. 1 19Kuriyan, R., Ray, I and Toyama.K. (2008), “Information and Communication Technologies for Development: The Bottom of the Pyramid Model in Practice”, in, The Information Society, Vol. 24, No. 2 20Mahesh Chandra and NagarajKulkarni (2011), “National Transport Register”, in, Informatics, Vol. 20, No. 2
41
that these offices are working in isolation due to which information availability was
limited and access to data from their offices was not available. Complaints received in
case of inter State transfer of vehicles. To do-away with the manual process so as to
ensure throughout the Central Government had made provisions in the Central Motor
Vehicles Rules 1989 for issuance of smart card based License (DL) and Registration
Certificate (RC). The authors focused on the scope of National Register (NR), its
benefits and technology and technology utilized for the Business Intelligence (BI) by
interlinking all the RTOs/DTOs. The National Register has the capacity to provide
critical information through a structured managerial reporting. The authors concluded
that the RTOs across the country remained isolated and completely disconnected and
ran with heterogeneous operational system. The department lacked of mechanism &
infrastructure for combining data residing at different sources and providing a united
view of these data to itself for its business needs and also to other stakeholders like
police, crime bureau, etc.
Madon, S., Sahay, S. and Sudan. R (2007)21 argued that information and
communication technologies provide an immense potential to support the effective
gathering and analyzing of health data, and they described the implementation of
computer –based health information system as HISP (Health Information System
Program). The authors felt that there is often a disjuncture between macro-level
policy priorities and micro – level implementation of health projects such as HISP.
They derived a set of ‘key enables’ to try to bridge this gap. Enables included the
provision of infrastructure such as physical building and power supply, the need to set
21Madon, S., Sahay, S. and Sudan. R (2007), “E-government Policy and Health Information Systems Implementation in Andhra Pradesh, India: Need for Articulation of Linkages between the Macro and Micro”, in, The Information Society, Vol. 23, No.5
42
targets through local consultation process, and capacity building at the local level in
terms of capabilities of primary health care workers, doctors etc.
NarasimhaiahGorla (2008)22 explains that Rural Electronic Government (e-
government) projects are aimed at providing government services and information to
rural public. The e-government initiatives have not been very successful in
developing countries because of several inherent constraints. He studied ten typical
rural e-government projects in India and analyse the optional, economic and
personnel hurdles faced in implementing them along with their progression. Based on
the implementation experiences of these projects, a list of recommendations is
provided for successful execution of e-government projects.
Noir and Walsham (2007)23 drew on research on health information systems in the
Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, in addition to field work in the capital
New Delhi. The authors argued that ICTs often play a mythical or ceremonial role
rather than being linked closely to local action. Examples of this include submitting
faulty, inaccurate or missing data in reporting procedures at the local levels in order
to avoid penalties or other sanctions from superiors at higher levels, where more
accurate data might reflect badly on what was happening in the field.
Pardhasaradhi. Y, (2004)24 introduces the concept of efficiency in the changing
definitions and understanding of the public administration from Wilsonian period to
the 21st Century with analysis of different concepts and dimensions of governance
22NarasimhaiahGorla (2008), “Hurdles in rural e-Government Projects in India: Lessons for Developing Countries,” in, International Journal on Electronic Government, Vol.5, No. 1. 23Noir and Walsham (2007), “The Great Legitimizer: ICT as Myth and Ceremony in the Indian Healthcare Sector”, in, Information Technology & People, Vol. 20, No.4 24Pardhasaradhi. Y (2004), “Information Technology for Governance and Efficiency”, in, Indian Journal of Public Administration, Vol. L, No. 1
43
and the transforming role of state. Use of technology in government has changed the
organizational structure and created different human and organizational networks
based on electronic and automated systems. It explains different problems and areas
of concerns which need to be given due consolidation for implementing ICT in
government for an efficient governance. The author concludes that owing to induction
of ICT there have been improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness in delivery
of services to the citizens, enabling from passive information access to active
participation in government activities. The ICT has been found to facilitate innovation
use of information collected and maintained by the government in the form and
imaginative information linkages and information sharing at all levels of the
government. Efficiency of e-government can be understood from the level of
empowerment the citizen enjoys in accessing and making choices about government
information system services provided regarding increased transparency and
accountability in government business and dismantling of administrative hierarchy
structure.
Prakash and De’ (2007)25 in their description of Bhoomi, a land record
computerization project in the state of Karnataka. They linked computerization
project of land records to wider objectives of land reform in India, and noted that
inaccurate land records have been a means of manipulation for powerful secessions of
Indian society and a cause of rural conflicts and unrest. The Bhoomi system created a
database of about 20 million records and a linked document called an RTC (record of
rights, tenancy and crops). The RTC had previously been issued through a manual
25Prakash and De’ (2007),”Importance of Development in ICT4D Projects”, in, Information and Technology & People, Vol. 20, No.3.
44
process by a village accountant but, with the Bhoomi system, farmers had to travel to
the sub-district headquarters and receive their RTC certificate through a Bhoomi
kiosk. The author linked their reservations concerning the Bhoomi system to broader
issues of development, arguing that system was aligned to review of development as
increased efficiency, whereas it did not contribute to wider development goals of
capacity building increased choice for people in rural areas, especially small and
landless farmers.
Puri S.K. (2007)26 examined a GIS project in the district of Anantpur in the state of
Andhra Pradesh. The project respected the need to recognize the knowledge that
communities have of the land that they inhabit, in addition to the potential benefits of
GIS technologies. The author described how the project involved participatory
mapping carried out by the local villagers, the results of which were then incorporated
in the GIS. The project was regarded as successful in that the GIS were utilized to
help generate improved approaches to land management practices. The author argued
that the case study demonstrated the need to construct knowledge alliances that
integrate top-down scientific knowledge with bottom-up indigenous knowledge. The
author suggested that a relatively enlightened view on knowledge of ‘low status’
villagers.
Radha Krishna Rao (2003)27 stated that E-Governance is the best option to remove
the barriers between the people and the administration at all levels of the functioning
of a democratic government. It is a bold attempt at transforming administration into a
26Puri S.K. (2007), Integrating Scientific with Indigenous Knowledge: Constructing Knowledge Alliances for Land Management in India, in, MISQuarterly, Vol. 31, No.2 27Radha Krishna Rao (2003), “e-Governance gaining in popularity”, in, Kurushetra, September, p. 12.
45
people friendly, transparent and accountable preposition. e-Governance concept
involves delivering a variety of services via the internet, telephone community,
centers or Government departments with a view to transform the Government from
being a ‘procedures and power centered mechanisms’ to ‘citizen and service centered
platform’.
Radhakumari,Ch, (2013)28 assesses the functioning of the Karnataka Valuation and
e –Registration (KAVERI) project from citizen’s perspective. The study revealed
that people were going through long, cumbersome and highly time consuming
procedures for registration of immovable properties. Introduction of KAVERI project
has brought great relief to the citizens from these hardships. The time taken to get
important documents like Encumbrance Certificate (EC) and the time required for
completing the total registration process has reduced tremendously from one week to
three days and from one day to one hour. The study also highlighted that in spite of
the reduction in the time taken for the registration process, the dependence of citizens
on middlemen has not reduced, the achievement of which is one of the important
objectives of the project. Still citizens are apprehensive to go to Sub-Registrar’s
office directly for registration. Lack of adequate response from the officials at Sub-
Registrar’s office, payment of varying amounts of money to middlemen for getting
the work done, fear created by the middlemen that if anyone approaches the office
directly huge sum of money will be demanded; unprofessional and unethical attitude
of some of the office staff, an atmosphere of unwillingness in the office in general to
go an extra mile for helping the public etc. are the problems faced by the common
28Radhakumari, Ch. (2013) “A Business Process Reengineering and e-Governance Model –KAVERI of Karnataka”, in, International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume. 4, Issue. 1, January
46
public at the registrar’s office. The study has also brought to light that citizens get
better treatment by going through middlemen even though it means payment of
varying amounts of money. Efforts at creating more awareness through media about
the KAVERI project will make every one appreciate the purpose of it and enjoy the
benefits thereby produced. To achieve the objective of creating awareness among the
citizens about the project can be achieved through wide publicity by employing the
mass media and the Internet.
Rakesh K. Gahlot (2003)29 suggested that states are required to create infrastructure
for a state level Management Information and Decision Support System (MIDSS), to
enable them to take informed decisions, formulate comprehensive plans, and follow-
up on delivery of public services, and create user friendly public expenditure, public
infrastructures to enable masses for participation and responsiveness are to be
extended beyond the scope of Citizen Charter, by making information on the entire
government functioning readily available to the citizens through a State Portal at One
Stop Shop” open and available all the times.
Ramlal and AbidHaleem (2002)30 discussed the paradigm shift in the governance of
the citizen. This shift has been possible with the IT revolution and internet. The e-
governance has become citizen-centric. Various issues have been explored to provide
the best possible services to citizens. As per the need of the citizens, there is
requirement to identify the issues related to deal with the problems of high level of
illiteracy, social diversity and unequal distribution of wealth and low level of women
29Rakesh K. Gahlot (2003), “A State e-Governance Model”, in, Management in Government, January-March 30Ramlal and AbidHaleem (2002) “e-Governance: An Emerging Paradigm”, in, The Journal of Business Perspective, Vol. 6, No. 2, July-December
47
empowerment so as to conceptualize, design and implement a e-governance model. A
review of the existing models of e-governance has also been made to crystallize the
issues involved. The role of e-governance needs to be citizen-centric. Citizen –
oriented governance is undoubtedly one of the important considerations for the
governments all over the world. With the awareness levels of the common people on
the rise, citizens demand more access to the government information and an effective
and easy interface in their dealings with the Government. Information and
Communication Technology can help to sustain governance in three ways. They can
support tasks that involve complex decision-making, communication and decision
implementation.
Sangita S.N. and Bikash Chandra Dash (2008)31 examined the implications of e-
governance on service delivery based on secondary data. The authors opined that
service delivery system in most of the sectors has not been satisfactory. The
phenomenon of speed money and corruption has become one of the major issues in
administration. It is believed that 20 to 30 per cent of illicit money is siphoned-off
from government contractors and purchases due to lack o transparency and excess of
discretionary powers. Corruption at the grassroots has become a way of life. In rural
areas, nothing moves without speed money in public offices. People are compelled to
pay bribes to get government services and facilities (certificates, licenses, building
plan approvals, registration of properties and administration in schools and hospitals).
Approval of substandard works (roads, buildings and hospitals) and procurement of
poor quality of goods (medicines, materials, agricultural inputs and implements) is
31Sangita S.N and Bikash Chandra Dash (2008), “Information Communication Technology, Governance and Service Delivery in India: A Critical Review”, in, Indian Journal of Public Administration, Vol. LIV, No. 1, January-March 2008
48
very common. Stealing of power, water (through unauthorized connections) and
essential items (of public distribution system) and encroachment and misuse of
government properties are rampant. Misappropriation of funds meant for rural
development and weaker sections is reported widely. With this state of affairs, ICT
can be better instrument in dealing with the problems related to service delivery. The
authors concluded that still e-governance is not free from problems. The problems
like inadequate skilled manpower, lack of proper attitudinal orientation on the part of
officials and people, inadequate e-infrastructure, instances of men misusing the
technology, lack of proper awareness on the part of the general public, lack of
adequate funding etc., hindering the progress of electronic governance in India. The
authors suggested that sound policy and legal frame work, adequate infrastructure,
trained manpower, collaborative corporate sector, active civil society, and people’s
participation are essential for the promotion of e-governance in improving the quality
in improving the quality of service delivery.
Sanjay Kumar Divedi and Ajay Kumar Bharati(2010)32 discuss about the basic
problems and acceptability of e-governance in India. There are few successful e-
Governance projects in India and their characteristics which show the development of
e-Governance is significant. The authors concluded that in spite of poor
infrastructure, poverty, illiteracy, language dominance and all the other reasons, India
has number of award winning e-governance projects. Effective promotion schemes by
the India government will also a boosting factor to provide quality services to their
citizens.
32Sanjay Kumar Dived and Ajay Kumar Bharati (2010), “Governance in India-Problems and Acceptability”, in, Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology
49
Sameer Sachdeva (2003)33 points out various other gaps hindering implementation
of e- Governance in India. It brings a ten point strategy for implementing e-
Governance in India and thereby fulfilling the dream of better governance. It brings
forth the objective of achieving Electronic Governance (EG) beyond mere
computerization of standalone back office operations. It identifies the new set of
responsibilities for the executive, legislative and the citizenry and brings the need for
their training.
Sanjeev Mehta and ManmeetKalra (2006)34analyse some of the initiatives taken up
by the institutions and organizations, and identity the problems faced by these
initiatives in achieving the targeted objectives, respectively. The authors then
identified technological solutions to the various problems experienced and give an
insight into the ways ICT technologies can be successful and efficiently implemented
in achieving the social objectives with which they are identified.
SatishBabu D.R and Sheela Prasad (2009)35 analyses the citizens’ positive response
to the application of ‘e- services’ in e-sevacentres in providing effective governance
in Hyderabad region. The survey based on a study of selected e-sevacentres in
Hyderabad. The study shows that compared to the earlier practices e-services are
more reliable, citizen- centred and reduced corruption. The authors felt that as a
policy, IT service of e-seva have been enlarging the scope and operation of
33Sameer Sachdeva (2003) “E-Governance Strategy for India”, in, Management in Government, January-March 34Sanjeev Mehta and ManmeetKalra (2006), “Information and Communication Technologies: A bridge for Social Equally and Sustainable Development in India”, in, The International Information & Library Review, Vol.38, No.3, September 35SatishBabu D.R and Sheela Prasad (2009), “Conceptualizing the Process of E-Governance: The E-Sava Experience in Hyderabad”, in, Indian Journal of Public Administration, Vol. LV, No. 2, April-June
50
administration in Andhra Pradesh in providing better and faster services. But given
the general low literacy levels and IT penetration, it is difficult to achieve the set
targets given by the socio-economic realities. Added to this, other inequalities such as
household income and occupation, poverty and Internet access, contribute to a great
extent to the digital divide. The authors concluded that the reduction and final
elimination of the digital divide will be the real achievement of IT and e-governance.
The e-seva is a step in this direction as the study shows. But the challenge of for e-
seva is to reach out both across diverse social groups and spatially to reflect inclusion
and thus a reduction of the digital divide.
Sreekumar, T.T. (2007)36 examined the Gyanadoot project in the drought-prone
rural Dhar district of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The author described how this
started in 2000 with the objective of enhancing participation by citizens and
government together in community affairs through creative uses of ICTs, and of
ensuring equal access to emerging technologies for the oppressed and exploited
segments of society. 40 kiosks were set up in different parts of the registration of
applications, rural email, information regarding government programmes etc.
However, the author observed that the kiosks were mainly used by the literate and
middle-income groups and he described three particular case studies on how the
complex layers of social power that characterize Indian village society severely limit
the potential of an initiative like Gyandoot to provide empowerment for the poor and
disadvantaged.
36Sreekumar, T.T. (2007), “Decrypting e-Governance: Narratives, Power Play and Participation in the Gyandoot Intranet”, in, Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries, Vol.32, No. 4
51
Tejinder Sharma (2002)37 stated that the prime objective of any technological
innovation is to improve the quality of human life. This can be achieved not only by
the technological advances, but by successfully assimilating these technological
innovations into the human society. Such an approach is seen more important for
grievance and public administration.
UrmilaBagga (2005)38 opined that e-Governance in simple words means governance
using electronic tools. Here the government offers services and information to the
public by effectively making use of electronic tools. But e-governance is much more
than having computers in offices or creating websites. It is about redefining the vision
and scope of the entire gamut of relationships between citizens and government. It
involves the creation of system, integrating technology with administrative processes,
human resources and technology and dispencing information and faster services to
the citizens.
Webliography (Internet Sources)
National Knowledge Commission (2005)39 stated that E-Governance projects in
India are restricted to computerization of existing paper work procedures without
simplifying them, resulting unnecessary delays and red tape. There is a need to have
government processes re-engineering unnecessary steps and by reducing the time
37Tejinder Sharma (2002), “e-Governance: Process Reengineering Approach”, in, Indian Journal of Public Administration, Vol. XLVIII, No.4 38UrmilaBagga (2005), “Managing Cities through e-governance”, in, Nagarlok, Vol. XXXVII, January-March 39National Knowledge Commission (2005), Government of India, New Delhi, http://knowledgecommission.gov.in retrieved on12-11-2012.
52
taken in each step. In order to enable real e-Governance there is a required to have
“radical shift” in public government interaction processes.
Prashant Belwariar (2012)40 examined the working of e-services at District
Transport Offices situated at the far eastern corner of India, Manipur. The author
noticed that Vahan and Saradhi are standardized software applications for vehicle
registration and driving license so as to build a national register of vehicles and
driving licenses and simultaneously provide e-governance to citizens through District
Transport Offices (DTOs) located across the country. The author opined that the
biggest challenge faced were shortage of electricity and manpower at the DTOs. With
availability of power at most of the two thirds of houses a day and that too without
certainty the challenges of server crashes, other hardware failures and battery
damages were frequent. Overall, the processes at the DTOs have become efficient,
transparent, systematic and most importantly the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act
are better enforced.
Randeep Sudan (2002)41 examined the number of key initiatives for promoting the
pervasive use of IT in the experience of Andhra Pradesh. The author felt that the
introduction of IT into organizations is less a matter of technology and more a matter
of managing change. The continued success of the experiment begun in Andhra
Pradesh will depend on how far and how quickly changes can be brought about
within the existing structures of government.
40PrashantBelwariar (2012) Manipur – Providing e-Services at District Transport Offices, E-Gov Products & Services, April, www. Informatics.nic.in/uploads/pdfs/48060/of-April20129-11.pdf.
41RandeepSadan (2002), Towards SMART Governance: The Andhra Pradesh Experience,unpan1.un.urg/inbradoc/groups/public/documents/apcity/unfanou5509.pdf, retrieved 13-06-2012.
53
Snajay Kumar (2012)42 noticed that the transport department has taken up many new
initiatives to make the services citizen-centric. There has been a computerization of
almost 70 per cent services. The notable among them is the license booking service.
The client need not go to District Transport Office (DTO) for getting a learning or
regular license. Just go to the website, book a slot and pay the required fees. Then the
client will be given a time slot to appear for a test. After the test, results are couriered
to client registered address within three days. The transport department has also
enabled online payment of taxes. For making a tax payment, the clients need not to
come to transport department office. The issuance of all India permit will be
computerized in the subsequent month. He also points out that for vehicles with
Hydraulic axles, the transport department is taking a special initiative. They need
permission of various departments to get a clearance. This takes days and needs lot of
manual work. So the transport department are trying to computerize the process. In
case of RTO’s the author stated that the RTO’s had counter – based service
mechanism where numerous counters cater to different activities like issue of license,
certificates, taxes, etc. The transport department felt that they were under-utilizing
transport department capacity. So the department tried to bring in ‘any service at any
counter’ model to provide flexibility in service delivery. In this system, one can
approach a Help Desk, which gives out forms for standing the nature of work. The
tokens for the queue are also issued. And once the client turn comes, he can approach
any counter for getting their work done. This is a time saving measure, and can avoid
the problem of some centres getting crowded, while others are free. It also makes the
42Snajay Kumar (2012), ICT for efficiency in Transportation, e-Gov Magazine, November 9, 2012, http://egov.eletsonline.com/2012/11/ict-for-efficiency-in-transportaiton/.
54
department staff more efficient as they are trained to handle all types of queries unlike
the previous system.
Sanjay Jaju (2012)43 opined that the MeeSevaprogramme is getting great response
from rural areas. The people in the rural areas use the Common Service Centres to
avail of MeeSeva Services. Earlier people in rural areas used to access services like
Community, Income, Birth and Death Certificates. The copies of Pahani/ Adangal,
etc., were also difficult to come by. The process followed by the department was
manual, and the citizens were required to submit physical application and collected
physically signed copies at the office for getting any certificate. The citizens living in
remote rural areas had to travel long distances for reaching the Taluq headquarters or
the District headquarters where such services could be accessed. Thus, it was a time –
consuming and costly affair for a common man to access citizen services. The
MeeSevaprograme has taken the entire process of availing government certificates
online. The rural folk can get hold of documents and certificates through the Web-
based system on an anytime, anywhere basis. Even people who are not comfortable
with digital technologies can avail of the services by visiting the Common Service
Centres (CSCs). The bottom line is that the MeeSeva is a system, by which
documents and certificates, pertaining to individuals, are issued by the Government
through a common kiosk. There is no waiting time, no multiple visits to the offices,
no pleading, no frustration-it’s a genuine silent revolution.
43Sanjay Jaju (2012).1MeeSevaThe Silent Revolution, e-Gov Magazine, http://e-gov.eletsonline.com/2012/mee-seva-the-silent-revilution, retrieved on 11-01-2013
55
Sangita and BikashS. N. and Chandra Dash (2005)44 analyse the role of Role of
electronic governance and service delivery, mainly concentrate on reviews the
experiences of e-governance reforms in improving the quality of governance and
service delivery in India. Many studies have found that the services provided by
governments are inadequate, unreliable and expensive. Citizens have to expend much
effort and time to obtain these services. Service delivery processes have problems
such as inadequate and irregular access to and supply of public services, lack of
responsibility, neglect of consumers and their needs, delayed response and prevalence
of briber.However, several studies express reservations about the efficiency of
computerised service delivery. For instance, the performance of e-centres in Kerala is
not encouraging. In most of the centres, the collection levels have stagnated and
collections are extremely erratic in few centres. Lack of coordination between centers
and participating departments, the apathy of participating departments and obstinate
and indifferent attitudes of office staff are major constraints in this regard.
The Millennial Survey of Public Services in India (2001)45 found that the services
provided by the government are inadequate, unreliable and costly. Citizens have lot of
effort and time to obtain these services. Service delivery process has problems such as
inadequate and irregular supply of public services, lack of responsiveness, less care
for the consumers, corruption, delayed response and bribery.
44SangitaS. N. and Bikash Chandra Dash (2005)Electronic Governance and Service Delivery in India: Theory and Practice, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Working Paper-165, http://www.isec.ac.in/WP%20-%20165.pdf, retrieved on 11-06-2012. 45The Millennial Survey of Public Services in India (2001), Public Affairs Centre, Bangalore, http://www.Pacindia.org/, 2001 retrieved on 22-1-2013.
56
Vahan and Sarathi(e Gov reach)46 are designed and developed by National
Informatics Centre (NIC) in consultation with Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways to computerize services provided by RTO office in India. Vahan is used for
Registration of all categories of Vehicles, issue of Fitness and permits and collection
of Vehicle Tax. Web based Dealer system is also provided to facilitate easy
submission of registration data by dealer. This is integrated with Vahan to carry out
all types of transactions. Vahan is implemented in all 27 RTO in Gujarat. Sarathi
deals with the various categories of Licenses to be issue to citizen. These include
Learning License, Driving License,Conductor License and Driving School License.
Online learning license test is also integrated with Sarathi which is mandatory before
issue of LL. various types of transactions related to License can be done through
Sarathi. Online facility is also created to accept Learning License applications with
appointment. Key Management System for Sarathi in all RTO in Gujarat. This helps
to verify the issue of DL issued throughSarathi anywhere in India. Impact of these
services include: helped to RTO to stream line operations, Service delivery with
speed, accuracy and transparency, helped to reduce queues at RTO, Processes are
automated as far as possible, Use of technology to reduce waiting time for citizen at
RTO, Data accuracy is increased due to acceptance of online applications.
46egovreach.in/uploads/presentation/surat/gv_negp_13july2012.pdf., retrieved on 12-01-2013.
57
Reports
Bhatnagar’s (2010)47 empirical study of e-Governance projects in India found that,
due to lack of necessary process of reforms, full potential of e-Governance was not
exploited. However, a tremendous number of citizens preferred computerized
delivery in comparison to earlier methods of manual delivery.
Dhawal Bhatia, Kalpesh Mehta and Monica Raina, (2004)48 attempted to study the
e-Governance project on the RTO in Gujarat, which was automated three of its major
services: Issuing of driving licenses, registration of motor vehicles, and collection of
vehicle taxes. The evaluation results indicate that the project has successfully offered
benefits to its stakeholders and proved to be sustainable. In the initial stages, there
were very few citizens opting for the Optical Smart Card (OSC) based vehicle
registration. Getting a smart card is optional and citizens can opt for an RC book
issued through the manual system. Currently, citizens prefer the manual process since
any changes or renewals can be done in the book itself and they are done with the
help of an agent and he need not come personally to the Road Transport Office
(RTO) for the second time. The RTO staff found that in the manual system, access to
data was taking very long time and entry of stolen vehicles was done but without any
advantage to the police. In the computerized system, entry of stolen vehicles is
immediately done and any information regarding a vehicle is available at click of a
bottom. Till date around 100,000 OSC registrations have been issued.
47Bhatnagar’s (2010), Submission to Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT, Government of India, http://mit.gov.in retrieved on 21-03-2012. 48Dhawal Bhatia and Kalpesh Mehta and Monica Raina (2004), “E-Government at Road Transport Office, Ahmadabad: An Evaluation”, in, Evaluation of E-Governance Projects: Studies Conducted by Centre for Electronic Governance, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad; (Asia Foundation, USA), April,
58
National e-Governance Plan
Based on the advice of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, the
Government of India formulated a National e-Governance Plan in 2003. The NeGP
was launched with a vision to “Make all Government services accessible to the
common man in his locality, through a common service delivery outlet and ensure
efficiency, transparency and reliability of such services at affordable costs to realize
the basic needs of the common man” (NeGP, 2003)49.
Saransh (2011)50 examined the performance of Mission Mode Projects and observed
that under all the Road Transport Offices (RTOs) have implemented standardized
software, ie, Sarathi and Vahan. The Transport MMP also intends to setup national
and state registers. The setting up of these registers is facilitated in providing the real
time services to the citizens. Provision of online services is enabling the citizens to
get work done from the comfort of their home/ office at a time suitable to them. This
is not only reduced the rush of RTOs but will also save a lot of effort which goes into
entering the data into the system.
The Present Study
With the review of literature in the areas of ICT applications in
administration, the researcher felt that most of the studies touched up on areas of
theoretical explanation of e-governance, and different initiatives of ICT in
administration at international and national level, use of ICTs in administrative 49National e-Governance Plan (2003), Department of Information Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, http://mit.gov.in retrieved on 24-02-2012. 50Saransh (2011), Road Transport Mission Mode Project, Department of Information and Communication Technology, Government of India, January
59
processes. At national level, many studies concentrated on the review of the efforts
made by the governments in the era of ICT and Globalization. Though, there are few
studies which concentrated on the issues of ICT applications in administration, but
confined to some areas of common citizen services at various state levels. Therefore,
there is a need for analyzing the role and impact of ICTs in the domain of
administration with a focus on the core areas of public services, transport department
and registration departments. The present study attempts to fill this gap and also an
addition to the existing literature and throws light on the role of ICTs in the areas of
Transport and Registration Departments of two south Indian states viz., Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka.
Area of the study
Andhra Pradesh has moved faster on the road of e-Governance than any other
state in India. The state has undertaken various e-Government initiatives to provide
better, most efficient, transparent and responsive services to the citizens and promote
greater efficiency with the government. The first department of IT in the country was
formally established in Andhra Pradesh in 1998, to focus upon IT and give the sector
the impetus that it deserves. The state has initiated a number of e-government projects
under the concept of SMART Government, which have been successful and
appreciated. Significant among these are FAST (Fully Automated Services of
Transport Department) which was now renamed as CFST (Citizen Friendly Service
of Transport Department), CARD (Computer Aided-Administration of Registration
Department), e-seva (Electronic Citizen Services), etc. CFST department was
computerized as part of e-governance. As this department provides citizen friendly
60
services of transport, CFST was selected for the present study to analyze e-
governance. The researcher has taken Kahairatabad Road Transport Office (R.T.O)
for the study with a sample of 120 respondents
Karnataka is in the forefront of Information Technology and is called the
Silicon state in India. Karnataka is the first state to announce IT policy in the year
1997. In addition, the state capital Bangalore has shown tremendous growth in the IT
sector and is the IT capital of India. The state has initiated a number of e-governance
projects. Revenue department was computerized as part of e-governance. Karnataka
Valuation and e-Registration (KAVERI) is a comprehensive computerization project
aimed at automating the entire registration process and speedy delivery of registered
documents to the citizens of Karnataka. The hassle-free procedure seeks to automate
and streamline the workflow. Bangalore Rural District is one of the 30
districts in Karnataka. It was formed in 1986, when Bangalore District was divided
into Bangalore Rural and Bangalore. Presently in Bangalore Rural district, the sample
data collected from the 10 sub registrar offices with a total sample of 120. Finally the
study reveals how the induction of e-Governance into the process of Transport and
Registration Departments has changed the imperatives of citizen in quantitative and
qualitative aspects. Based on the discussions with various officials at the state levels
and the availability of the data, the researcher has decided to study the above two
projects representing Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka with the following objectives
and research questions.
61
The present study is basically an analysis of CFST(Citizen Friendly Services of
Transport Department)in Andhra Pradesh, KAVERI (Karnataka Valuation and e-
Registration)in Karnataka and the study areas include:
1. Delivery of services to the Citizens through ICT;
2. Restructuring of Administration through ICT;
3. Presentation of different cases representing two southern states in India.
The analysis is based on the indicators of each project include:
• Effectiveness of e-governance;
• Levels of satisfaction of people with e-governance;
• Pre and Post induction of e-governance in two states;
• Overall Quality of services after implementation of e-governance.
Objectives of the Study
1) To analyze the concept of e-Governance in India;
2) To observe the implementation of various e-Governance initiatives in India;
3) To understand the processes of e-Governance in Transport Department with
reference to CFST in Andhra Pradesh;
4) To study the processes of e-Governance in Registration Department with
reference to KAVERI in Karnataka.
62
On the basis of the above objectives, the following hypotheses are tested in the
study
• The use of ICT promotes speedy process of administration;
• ICTs bring about a profound change in administrative organizations and
systems;
• Technology adaptation at the grassroots level helps in saving of time and
money to the citizen.
Methodology and scope of the study
The data is collected through primary and secondary sources. Primary sources
include non-participant observation, informal discussions and questionnaires. Major
part of the data is collected through the help of these tools only. Other supplement
methods adopted are the study of published and unpublished documents, from various
books, international, national journals and reports. In addition the researcher
depended on Internet for reports and working papers uploaded by research institutes.
A total of 240 sample representing both the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
were selected randomly.
In Andhra Pradesh there are 23 district and 38 CFST offices. But due to
financial resources and time, we restrict the study to Hyderabad region only. In
Hyderabad there are 5 CFST offices. Among them, the researcher selected Hyderabad
Central Zone (Khairathabad) RTA office, covers 45 localities, more number of
license are issued in this office and revenue collected is more. As the Khairathabad
RTA office is the oldest in Hyderabad, it is useful to know how the administrative
63
structure has changed in course of time, and how computerization of transport
department helped both the employees as well as the public. The random sample
representing 120 was interviewed for the study.
The study on the impact of KAVERI project was carried out in one district of
Karnataka out of its 30 districts, namely Bangalore Rural. The KAVERI project
encompasses the whole of Karnataka and is well entrenched even at the rural level
with deep linkages to the already successful e-governance project, rather online
registration of land process called Bhoomi. In this case the researcher has selected a
sample of 120 for this study.
Organization of the Study
The study is divided into six chapters. The first chapter deals with the
introduction of the problem, concepts of ICT, Governance and Good Governancewith
International and national perspectives. It also discusses the evolution of e-
Governance in India. The second chapter is on survey of literature, objectives of the
study, hypothesis, methodology and organisation of the study. The third chapter is on
e-Governance initiatives in India. The fourth chapter explains the impact of CFST
(Citizen friendly Services of Transport Department)of Andhra Pradesh. The fifth
chapter deals with the KAVERI (Karnataka Valuation and e-Registration) and its
impact on the people in Karnataka. The conclusions of the study are presented in the
final chapter.