Public Attitude Towards e-Governance Practices in Developing Societies: A Case Study of SUWIDHA Project in Punjab

Abstract

E-governance practices are going through a transitional phase in developing societies like India. However, several impediments restrict them from becoming an effective means of interaction between government and citizens. The present study is an attempt to comprehend the citizens’ attitude and their level of readiness to accept the e-governance practices in online service delivery in the state of Punjab in India. It is based on the field survey of various SUWIDHA Kendras (now called Sewa Kendras Type I) in Punjab, where a sample of 240 users was covered with the help of interview schedule and observations. One district from each of the three regions of Punjab was selected randomly: Tarn Taran of Majha, Sangrur of Malwa and Hoshiarpur of Doaba. The results of this study show that the usage of e-governance practices as a popular medium is seriously limited by the public attitude. The main reasons are deficient e-governance infrastructure and apathetic public due to lack of computer literacy/e-readiness. The study establishes that, in order to implement e-governance successfully, not only a developed infrastructure but also behavioural changes in citizenry are required in developing societies.

Keywords

SUWIDHA E-Governance Practices Public Attitude Developing Societies Service Delivery

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