E-Governance: Concepts, Issues and Challenges

Governments of developing and developed countries across the globe are under pressure from growing expectations of citizens. This expectation is about delivery of public services to citizens within stipulated time. The invention of the internet and information communication technology has helped in delivery of public services efficiently. Now the governments are focusing on the use of e-governance to deliver services to their citizens. The role of e-governance has gained importance because information communication technology helps in reaching the potential beneficiaries of various socio-economic welfare schemes. The use of information technology brings transparency, saves the time of citizens by providing information through single-window operation, reduces corruption, empowers the citizens, and increases the trust of citizens toward the government. E-governance has changed the perception of citizens and governments working in traditional ways. Governments are facing many hurdles in implementing e-governance measures. These barriers are legislative barriers, technological barriers, budgetary barriers, and geographical barriers. This article will discuss the concept of e-governance, components of e-governance, issues of e-governance, challenges of e-governance and the possible solutions for implementing e-governance effectively.