Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance
Q3. “Digital governance can improve efficiency but does not automatically guarantee accountability.” Examine this statement. Suggest measures to strengthen accountability within e-governance frameworks. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
The expansion of e-governance initiatives such as Digital India, DBT and online service platforms has intensified debates on whether technological efficiency automatically leads to greater administrative accountability in democratic governance.Key demand of the question
The question requires examining the statement that digital governance improves efficiency but does not automatically guarantee accountability in public administration. It further demands suggesting measures to strengthen accountability mechanisms within e-governance frameworks.Structure of the answer
Introduction
Briefly introduce the rise of digital governance in India and highlight that while technology improves speed and efficiency of public service delivery, accountability depends on transparency, institutional oversight and citizen-centric safeguards.Body
- Examine the statement: Indicate how digital governance enhances efficiency but may not ensure accountability due to opacity of algorithms, weak grievance redressal or centralised control of digital systems.
- Measures to strengthen accountability: Suggest the need for legal safeguards, transparency in digital systems, stronger institutional oversight and effective grievance redress mechanisms in e-governance frameworks.
Conclusion
Emphasise that digital governance must integrate transparency, accountability and citizen participation so that technological efficiency strengthens democratic governance.
