E-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the 'Interactive Service Model' of e-governance.

Theme

T106 E-governance & the digital divide

What UPSC asks in this theme

Questions ask whether e-governance favours technology over citizens, the 'interactive service model', inadequacies that limit transparency, e-governance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the 'use value' of information, and digital illiteracy hindering development.

What to cover

• E-governance models: broadcasting, critical flow, comparative analysis, mobilisation, interactive service
• Digital India pillars; examples (UMANG, DigiLocker, CPGRAMS, e-Courts, GeM)
• User-centric design vs back-end integration
• Digital divide: rural access, literacy, language, gender
• Data protection and cyber risks in e-governance

Writing the answer

• Name the model asked and give one Indian example for each point
• End with inclusion: assisted access (CSCs), vernacular interfaces

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 6 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.