Topic: e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential
Q3. How has digitalisation improved the delivery of welfare transfers in India? What safeguards are necessary to prevent technology-driven exclusion? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
How digital governance has improved welfare delivery while creating new risks of exclusion for vulnerable beneficiaries.
Key Demand of the question
Explain the contribution of digitalisation to efficient, transparent and direct welfare transfers. Suggest safeguards against exclusion caused by authentication failures, poor connectivity and inaccurate databases.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Introduce digitalisation as an instrument that can make welfare delivery more efficient, provided technology does not become a barrier to entitlements.
Body
- Improvements in welfare delivery: Indicate how digital platforms facilitate timely transfers, reduce diversion, improve transparency and widen financial inclusion.
- Safeguards against digital exclusion: Suggest alternative authentication, assisted offline access, updated databases, effective grievance redressal and protection of beneficiaries’ personal data.
Conclusion
Conclude that welfare technology must remain citizen-centric by combining digital efficiency with human assistance, accountability and accessible alternatives.
