Contextualising Digital Governance as a Tool of Good Governance: An Empirical Study of Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Digital governance has become a central strategy for improving public service delivery and promoting good governance practices across developing and transitional political systems. The Digital India initiative marked a major transformation in governance. However, the empirical assessment of its effectiveness in politically and strategically sensitive regions remains limited. This study examines whether digital governance functions as a tool of good governance in Jammu and Kashmir. Drawing on primary survey data collected from 1,200 respondents across four districts of Jammu and Kashmir, the study employs descriptive statistics and non-parametric correlation analysis to evaluate citizens’ perceptions of government-to-citizens (G2C) digital services across key governance dimensions. The findings indicate a statistically positive relationship between the adoption of digital governance platforms and perceived improvements in governance outcomes. This article concludes that digital governance has attained considerable public legitimacy in Jammu and Kashmir. However, its sustainability and effectiveness remain contingent upon addressing infrastructural bottlenecks, enhancing digital literacy and ensuring inclusive access across territorial and socio-economic divides. The study contributes to the literature by providing micro-level empirical evidence and highlights digital governance as a viable instrument for strengthening good governance outcomes.