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M.P.A.-17
E-Governance
ASSIGNMENT SOLUTIONS GUIDE (2013-2014)
Disclaimer / Special Note: These are just the sample of the Answers/Solutions to some of the questions
given in the Assignments. These Sample Answers/Solutions are prepared by Tutor for the help of the student
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the Guide/Reference Book/assignment Guide. Any Omission or Error is highly regretted though every care
has been taken while preparing these Sample Answers/Solutions. Please consult you Teacher/Tutor before
you prepare a Particular Answer.
SECTION - I
Q. 1. Discuss the concept and models of e-governance.
Ans. CONCEPT OF E-GOVERNANCEThe term e-governance refers to the processes
in which Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a significant role. The role
played by ICT could be wide-ranging: in delivery and standards of governance services, to
how people access such services, and the participation of people in the governance. E-
governance uses ICT to induce changes in the delivery and standards of governance ser-
vices and more importantly, in the way citizens interact and participate in the governance.
In case of good governance, information is acquired and used strategically for public
good. And in case of bad governance, the same information is used for private gains and for
suppression of the citizens. In either forms of governance, the selective use of information
creates hierarchal structures on which power gets unequally distributed. The skew in the
distribution of power at each hierarchical level is proportional to the critical information residing
at each level.
The views of e-governance are helpful in drawing attention to particular elements of the
use of information and communication technologies in the public sector, from the online
interface between government and citizens to technologys role in reforming public
administration.
We all know that e-governance of ICT in the working of government imply SMART
governance: Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent.
SMART Governance is about the future of the public services, its about greater efficiency,
community leadership, mobile working and continuous improvement through innovations.
SMART governance is about using technology to facilitate and support better planning and
decision- making. It helps in transforming the ways that public services are delivered. It includes
e-government, the efficiency agenda and mobile working.
The objectives of the network are to stimulate ideas, encourage and support experience
sharing, and to challenge existing ways of working. It is a new network that is building on, and
expanding the scope of the e-champions network that was formerly operated by the
Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA).
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It is a largely virtual network with a slim administrative and operational structure. It will be
running experience sharing events, providing regular updates on SMART governance issues,
and encouraging innovation in public service delivery etc.
Based on different classes of information, their sources and frequency of updation and
exchange, various models of e-governance projects can be evolved. The National e-
governance Action Plan of the Government of India [NeGP] can act as a model for such
projects. The models are classified in the following categories:
Broadcasting Model
Critical Flow Model
Comparative Analysis Model
E-Advocacy/Lobbying and Mobilization Model
Interactive Service Model
Now we will discuss these models separately:
Broadcasting Model: The model is based on broadcasting or dissemination of useful
governance information which already exists in the public domain into the wider public domain
through the use of ICT and convergent media. The utility of this model is that a more informed
citizenry is better able to benefit from governance related services that are available for them.
Critical Flow Model: The model is based on dissemination information of critical value
(which by its very nature will not be disclosed by those involved with bad governance practices)
to targeted audience using ICT and convergent media. Targetted audience may include media,
opposition parties, judicial bench, independent investigators or the wider public domain itself.
Comparative Analysis Model: Comparative Analysis Model is one of the least used,
but a highly significant model for developing a country which is now gradually gaining
acceptance. The model can be used for empowering people by matching cases of bad
governance with those of good governance, and then analyzing the different aspects of bad
governance and its impact on the people.
E-advocacy Model/Mobilization and Lobbying Model: E-Advocacy/Mobilization and
Lobbying Model is one of the most frequently used Digital Governance Models and has often
come to the aid of the global civil society to impact on global decision-making processes.
The strength of this model is in its diversity of the virtual community, and the ideas, expertise
and resources accumulated through this virtual form of networking.
Interactive Service Model: Interactive Service Model is a consolidation of the earlier
presented digital governance models and opens up avenues for direct participation of
individuals in the governance processes. Fundamentally, ICT have the potential to bring in
every individual in a digital network and enable interactive (two-way) flow of information among
them.
Q. 2. Describe the various components and functions of computer hardware.
Ans. The computer hardware is the physical part of the computer system; it includes
electronic devices, which have the potential for performing the task of solving a problem. The
computer hardware is composed of three main components, namely:
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Central Processing Units (CPU)
Memory Units (Storage Devices)
Input/Output Devices
In addition, computer hardware is very important part because it handles the interconnection
of each device. It is a set of different computer parts such as motherboard, hard disk drive
and cable wire connection, and also it is a main function of the computer application or software
and technically requirements needs.
The typical computer consists of following parts:
Motherboard: A motherboard is the central Printed Circuit Board (PCB) in many modern
computers and holds many of the crucial components of the system, while providing connectors
for other peripherals. The motherboard is sometimes alternatively known as the main board
or system board.
Central Processing Unit: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the portion of a computer
system that carries out the instructions of a computer programme and is the primary element
carrying out the computers functions. The central processing unit carries out each instruction
of the Programmes in sequence, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output
operations of the system. This term has been in use in the computer industry at least since the
early 1960s. The form, design and implemen-tation of CPUs have changed dramatically since
the earliest examples, but their fundamental operation remains much the same.
Random Access Memory: RAM is a form of computer data storage. Today, it takes the
form of integrated circuits that allow stored data to be accessed in any order (that is, at
random). Random refers to the idea that any piece of data can be returned in a constant
time, regardless of its physical location and whether it is related to the previous piece of data.
Buses: In computer architecture, a bus is a subsystem that transfers data between
computer components inside a computer or between computers.
Early computer buses were literally parallel electrical buses with multiple connections, but
the term is now used for any physical arrangement that provides the same logical functionality
as a parallel electrical bus. Modern computer buses can use both parallel and bit-serial
connections, and can be wired in either a multidrop (electrical parallel) or daisy chain topology,
or connected by switched hubs, as in the case of USB.
Storage Controllers: Hardware that keeps data inside the computer for later use and
remains persistent even when the computer has no power.
Video Display Controllers: Video Display Controller or VDC is an integrated circuit
which is the main component in a video signal generater, a device responsible for the
production of a TV video signal in a computing or game system. Some VDCs also generate
an audio signal, but in that case its not their main function.
Computer Bus Controllers: They are used to connect the computer to external peripheral
devices.
Removable Media Writer: CD (Compact Disc): The most common type of removable
media, suitable for music and data.
CD-ROM Drive: A device used for reading data from a CD.
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CD Writer: A device used for both reading and writing data to and from a CD.
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc): A popular type of removable media that is the same
dimensions as a CD, but stores up to 12 times as much information. It is the most common
way of transferring digital video, and is popular for data storage.
DVD-ROM Drive: A device used for reading data from a DVD.
DVD Writer: A device used for both reading and writing data to and from a DVD.
DVD-RAM Drive: A device used for rapid writing and reading of data from a special type
of DVD.
Floppy Disk: An outdated storage device consisting of a thin disk of a flexible magnetic
storage medium used today mainly for loading RAID drivers.
Iomega Zip Drive: An outdated medium-capacity removable disk storage system, first
introduced by Iomega in 1994. It is a flash memory data storage device integrated with a
USB interface, typically small, lightweight, removable, and rewritable. Capacities vary, from
hundreds of megabytes (in the same ballpark as CDs) to tens of gigabytes (surpassing, at
great expense, Blue-ray discs).
Tape drive: A device that reads and writes data on a magnetic tape, used for long term
storage and backups.
Internal Storage: Computer data storage, often called storage or memory, refers to
computer components and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for
some interval of time. Computer data storage provides one of the core functions of the modern
computer, that of information retention. It is one of the fundamental components of all modern
computers. There are mainly two devices which are helpful in storing the data:
Hard Disk: A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a non-volatile, random access device for digital
data. It works on rotating rigid platters on a motor-driven spindle within a protective enclosure.
Data is magnetically read and written on the platter by read/write heads that float on a film of
air above the platters.
Disk Array Controller: A disk array controller is a device which manages the physical
disk drives and presents them to the computer as logical units. It almost always implements
hardware RAID, thus it is sometimes referred to as RAID controller. It also often provides
additional disk cache.
Sound Card: A sound card (also known as an audio card) is a computer expansion card
that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of
computer programmes. Typical uses of sound cards include providing the audio component
for multimedia applications such as music composition, editing video or audio, presentation,
education, and entertainment (games). Many computers have sound capabilities built in, while
others require additional expansion cards to provide for audio capability.
Networking: It is used in connecting Internet and also used to connect various computers
together. It uses following devices:
Modem: A modem modulates outgoing digital signals from a computer or other digital
device to analog signals for a conventional copper twisted pair telephone line and demodulates
the incoming analog signal and converts it to a digital signal for the digital device.
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Network Card: A network card is an expansion card which installs into a computer and
enables that computer to physically connect to a local area network.
Other Peripherals: In spite of all these computer also contain following devices:
Input Devices: An input device is any peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment)
used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system (such as a
computer). Input and output devices make up the hardware interface between computer as a
scanner.
Output Devices: An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used
to communicate the results of data processing carried out by an information processing system
(such as a computer) to the outside world.
Q. 5. Write a note on the role of ICT in rural development.
Ans. ICT can play an important role in many aspects of rural development. It can also help
to better govern various aspects of rural development. The working definition (used by the
British Council) emphasizes that Governance involves interaction between the formal
institutions and those in civil society. Governance refers to a process whereby elements in
society wield power, authority and influence and enact policies and decisions concerning
public life and social upliftment.
The concept of good governance implies accountability, transparency, participation,
openness and the rule of law. According to World Bank, good governance is epitomized by
predictable, open and enlightened policy-making, a bureaucracy imbued with a professional
ethos acting in furtherance of the public good, the rule of law, transparent processes, and a
strong civil society participating in public affairs. Poor governance (on the other hand) is
characterized by arbitrary policy-making, un-accountable bureaucracies, unenforced or unjust
legal systems, the abuse of executive power, a civil society unengaged in public life and
widespread corruption.
ICT can strengthen the role of each governance pillar in rural development and poverty
reduction. It can facilitate speedy, transparent, accountable, efficient and effective interaction
between the public, citizens, business and other agencies.
This not only promotes better administration and better business environment, but also
saves time and money in transactions costs of government operations.
There are many examples about the role of ICT in strengthening rural livelihood, providing
market information and lowering transaction costs of poor farmers and traders. One of them
is the Grameen Bank. Grameen Bank, best known as a micro-credit institution, has also
pioneered in ICT related activities with the poor.
As poor people are often unaware of their rights, entitlements and the availability of various
govern-ment schemes and extension services, ICT can also improve their access to the
information they need. Through info kiosks or with the help of mobile phones farmers can
access information on market prices or on extension services. Timing is often crucial when it
comes to the sale of produce. Workers can also get information on available jobs and minimum
wages.
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Essentials
The role of ICT is catalytic in the complex task of poverty reduction by leveraging the
effects on earnings opportunities, on educational and health services, on good governance
and on promoting democracy. Since information exchange is part of nearly every element of
the economy, the impact of improvements in the capacity for information exchange will depend
critically on how the rest of the economy functions. This suggests the centrality of a holistic
approach in evaluating the impact of ICT. For example, the impact of improved ICT access on
farm earnings through increased knowledge of market prices will be muted if there are no
roads to carry crops to markets, or there are no markets because of an unreformed agricultural
sector.
ICT Applications in Agriculture
The application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in agriculture is
increasingly important.
E-agriculture is an emerging field focusing on the enhancement of agricultural and rural
development through improved information and communication processes. More specifically,
e-agriculture involves the conceptualization, design, development, evaluation and application
of innovative ways to use Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the rural
domain, with a primary focus on agriculture. E-agriculture is a relatively new term and we fully
expect its scope to change and evolve as our understanding of the area grows.
E-agriculture is one of the action lines identified in the declaration and plan of action of the
World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).
The main phases of the agriculture industry are: Crop cultivation, Water management,
Fertilizer Application, Pest management, Harvesting, Post-harvest handling, Transporting of
food/food products, Packaging, Food preservation, Food processing/value addition, Food
quality manage-ment, Food safety, Food storage, Food marketing, etc.
All stakeholders of agriculture industry need information and knowledge about these phases
to manage them efficiently. Any system applied for getting information and knowledge for
making decisions in any industry should deliver accurate, complete, concise information in
time or on time. The information provided by the system must be in user-friendly form, easy to
access, cost-effective and well protected from unauthorized accesses.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can play a significant role in maintaining
the above mentioned properties of information as it consists of three main technologies.
They are: Computer Technology, Communication Technology and Information Management
Technology. These technologies are applied for processing, exchanging and managing data,
information and knowledge. The tools provided by ICT are having ability to:
Record text, drawings, photographs, audio, video, process descriptions, and other
information in digital formats.
Produce exact duplicates of such information at significantly lower cost.
Transfer information and knowledge rapidly over large distances through communication
networks.
Develop standardized algorithms to large quantities of information relatively rapidly.
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Achieve greater interactivity in communicating, evaluating, producing and sharing useful
information and knowledge.
SECTION - II
Q. 7. What are the benefits of e-commerce?
Ans. The benefits of e-commerce are:
E-commerce allows people to carry out businesses without the barriers of time or
distance. One can log on to the Internet at any point of time, be it day or night and
purchase or sell anything one desires at a single click of the mouse.
The direct cost-of-sale for an order taken from a website is lower than through traditional
means (retail, paper-based), as there is no human interaction during the online electronic
purchase order process. Also, electronic selling virtually eliminates processing errors,
as well as being faster and more convenient for the visitor.
E-commerce is ideal for niche products. Customers for such products are usually few.
But in the vast market place i.e. the Internet, even niche products could generate viable
volumes.
Another important benefit of e-commerce is that it is the cheapest means of doing
business.
The day-to-day pressures of the marketplace have played their part in reducing the
opportunities for companies to invest in improving their competitive position. A mature
market, increased competition have all reduced the amount of money available to invest.
If the selling price cannot be increased and the manufactured cost cannot be decreased
then the difference can be in the way the business is carried out. E-commerce has
provided the solution by decimating the costs, which are incurred.
Organizations
Due to the global reach of the Internet, business organizations are able to send messages
worldwide, exploring new markets and opportunities. This breaks down geographic limitations
and reaches narrow markets that traditional businesses have difficulties in accessing. Through
the Internet, business now offers a wide range of choices and higher levels of customer
information and details for individuals to search and compare. Some build-to-order companies
such as Dell Computer Corp. can even provide a competitive advantage by inexpensive
customization of products and services. In terms of cost reduction, e-commerce helps
organizations decrease costs in creating, processing, distributing, storing and retrieving
information. For example, the communication and advertising costs could be lower by sending
e-mails and using online advertising channels, than by using television commercials or the
print media. In terms of online ordering and online auction organizations, the costs could be
lower than running an actual shop with the associated manpower.
Extended trading hours is another benefit, the 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in 365 days
allows business always free to open on the Internet without overtime and extra cost. Other
advantages includes the up-to-date company material, current inventories, improved
customers service, better customers communication, increased operating and trading
flexibility.
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Consumers
For customers, the advantages occur in the buying process, product research, evaluation
and execution. E-commerce provides customers with a platform to search product information
through global markets with a wider range of choices, which makes comparison and evaluation
easier and more efficient. With the accessing of Internet, consumers can search for shops or
perform other transactions anytime in almost locations. Cheaper goods and services is one
of the benefits for consumers who purchase online. Furthermore, delivery time and costs can
be saved by buyers when they purchase digital goods and services. Examples are e-books,
music and audio clips, software, games, and distance education delivered the Internet.
Society
By tele-commumication, individuals can now-a-days work and do their purchasing at home
rather than by travelling around. This will result in less traffic and air pollution. For people in
Third World countries, many services and products are now available which were unavailable
in the past; opportunities and higher education services are more achievable for students.
Non-profit organizations, including government services, also benefit from e-commerce by
the online payment system which supports the payment of tax refunds and pensions quickly
and securely. Public services such as health care, education and public social service also
benefit from e-commerce. For example, rural doctors and nurses can access professional
information and the latest health care technologies. Overall, e-commerce makes products
and services more easily available without geographic limitations.
Q. 8. Highlight the application area of ICT in citzen services delivery.
Ans. There are number of areas where ICT works in providing services to the masses
like:
Access to Public Documents
Governments have a responsibility to provide information about matters of public interest.
On some matters the public should also be consulted. But such consultations are meaningful
only if citizens have access to correct and sufficient information including information on
alternatives.
It should, therefore, be clear that ICT cannot act as a substitute for reforms that may be
required to support information needs of poverty reduction programmes. Other complementary
efforts are therefore needed such as legislative reforms.
Authentication Statements
The National e-Authentication Framework (NeAF) will assist agencies, jurisdictions and
sectors in authenticating the identity of the other party to a desired level of assurance or
confidence. The NeAF encompasses the electronic authentication (e-authentication) of the
identity of individuals and businesses dealing with the government, on one side of the
transaction, as well as the authentication of government websites on the other side.
Online Payments
Government online payments enable citizens to pay bills online securely using a credit
card. Whether a citizen needs to pay for his or her property taxes, utility bills, recreation fees,
parking tickets, animal license fees or any other government fees, an online payment system
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will securely process the transaction and route the payment to the appropriate receivables
account. Online payments allow cities and counties to better serve citizens by extending service
hours, reducing wait times, and eliminating the hassles and lost time due to driving, finding the
correct department and waiting in line. Citizens and businesses can simply log on to their
governments Website from any Internet-enabled computer when and where they want and
pay their bills.
Complaints, Grievances and Suggestions
Excellence in customer service is the most important tool for a sustained business.
Customer complaints are part of the business life of any corporate entity. This is more so for
banks because banks are service organizations. As a service organization, customer service
and customer satisfaction should be the main concern of any bank. Providing prompt and
efficient service is essential not only to attract new customers, but also to retain existing ones.
This policy document aims at minimizing instances of customer complaints and grievances
through proper service delivery and review mechanism and to ensure prompt redressal of
customer complaints and grievances. The review mechanism should help in identifying the
shortcomings in product features and service delivery, as the customer dissatisfaction would
tarnish banks name and image.
Delivering Citizen Services : Role of ICT
ICT has major role to play in providing services to the citizens. We can evaluate the role of
ICT in following ways:
Online Filing of Complaints and Grievances
Complaints/suggestions of general nature as regard to improving the services in the area
are discussed in the Open House Sessions. The basic idea of conducting such Open House
Sessions is to establish direct channels of communications with our customers and also to
enable the staff to appreciate and evaluate the customers difficulties and complaints from
their point of view. A press notification is issued in leading newspaper to hold the Open House
Session for inviting customers to attend and submit their suggestions/grievances. Customers
are requested to place general grievances which are recorded. Replies are given on the
spot. In few cases, which cannot be settled on the spot a time frame is given. Efforts are
made to settle the case within the given time frame. Written reply is sent to the customers.
Customers are asked to give their grievances in writing with all supporting documents
within stipulated period to District Complaint Officer (DCO). The concerned office to whom
the case relates examines the case received by DCO and settles the case.
Online Application Registration
An Application Service Provider (ASP) is a business that provides computer-based
services to customers over a network. Software offered using an ASP model is also sometimes
called On-demand Software or Software as a Service (SaaS). The most limited sense of this
business is that of providing access to a particular application programme (such as customer
relationship management) using a standard protocol such as HTTP.
Online Registration of passport applications through the Web is to help applicants submit
advance passport applications without the need for standing in long queues to get tokens,
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and to minimize the waiting time at the counters of Regional Passport Office. Applicants can
register on the Net and visit Passport Office with all relevant documents within the next two
days during office timings.
Issuance of Certificates Online
TS brings innovation when it comes to tracking and issuing certificates of insurance. We
thrive on customer satisfaction and staff a team of insurance experts to serve your individual
business needs.
Our certificate of insurance management solutions help many organizations reduce risk and
avoid exposure to losses from claims. Our technological advantages enable us to offer the most
competitive rates, while ensuring excellent customer service and quick turn around of all
certificate related inquiries.
Online Tracking of Building Plans
The building plan approval process relates to the issue of permission for the construction
of buildings based on specific set of rules and regulations. As per the relevant provisions of
the State Municipality Act, any person desirous of undertaking a construction activity (fresh
construction as well as modifications to existing structures), is required to obtain prior sanction
from the relevant local body before embarking on the same. The building plan approval is
envisaged to facilitate quick processing and disposal of building plan permissions,
standardization of building fee and other charges, automation of the technical scrutiny, effective
monitoring of file processing.
Issuance of Land Records Online
Right now the sanctioning of mutations takes months, but the government wants to make
it a time-bound process, bringing it down to few weeks. Though the computerization process
of land records has been resented by the Patwaris, who doesnt want to take the responsibility
of the authenticity of land records produced by computers, the government is firm in its resolve
to move ahead.
Online Auction and Bidding
The online auction business model is one in which participants bid for products and services
over the Internet. The functionality of buying and selling in an auction format is made possible
through auction software which regulates the various processes involved.
Several types of online auctions are possible. In an English auction the initial price starts
low and is bid up by successive bidders. In a Dutch auction, multiple identical items are
offered in one auction, with all winning bidders paying the same pricethe highest price at
which all items will be sold (treasury bills, for example, are auctioned this way). Currently,
almost all online auctions use the English auction method.
Online Mandi (Market) Rates
The step towards Globalization of Indian Agriculture: a sunshine portal for the farmers to
bargain better. This help immensely in getting the rates of different products in different markets
of the country.
Online Payment of Dues
In e-commerce payment system facilitates the acceptance of electronic payment for online
transactions. Also known as a sample of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), e-commerce
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payment systems have become increasingly popular due to the widespread use of the Internet-
based shopping and banking. In the early years of B2C transactions, many consumers were
apprehensive of using their credit and debit cards over the Internet because of the perceived
increased risk of fraud.
Easy Access to Information
A Current Research Information System (CRIS) is a database or other information system
storing data on current research by organizations and people, usually through some kind of
project activity, financed by a funding programme. There is an increasing awareness of the
need for quality research management (information) systems.