E-governance: Learning from Karnataka

Abstract

The technological changes of the 20th and 21st centuries, the growth of computer technologies, digital technologies and telecommunications have changed the way the state conducts its functions and delivers governance. Whether or not they have improved the welfare function of the state, the way governance is delivered has been altered. In this article, we discuss the application of electronic governance (e-governance) in Karnataka with the help of three case studies. We discuss the cases of land records management in rural and urban areas and initiatives in Bengaluru traffic management. The case studies indicate that e-governance improves service delivery and that there are points to be gleaned from the successful implementation of the same in Karnataka. Finally, we argue that while there is necessity for optimism regarding the application of technology in service-delivery functions, the overall digitisation of economy may be something qualitatively different.

Keywords

E-governance governance digitisation capitalism privacy laws regulation

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