Contents
E-Government
Introduction
Everyone knows that this is the age of computers and the majority of people are using computers. The development of science and technology has a direct effect on our daily as well as social life. Computer technology has made communication possible from one part of the world to the other within seconds. We can deal with the transactions in one part of the world while staying in the other part. Computer development is one of the greatest scientific achievements of the 21st century. Computers are used in various fields including teaching and learning.
A government that accepts information and communication technologies as a tool to transform its internal and external relationships and processes in governance to be more effective and transparent is called E-Government. Therefore, E-Government is the same government that applies ICT (Information and Communication Technology) for its transformation to deliver better public services.
W-Government refers to the use of Internet technology as a platform for exchanging information between government to public and to other sectors of government. it provides a platform for exchanging information and services in order to improve the efficiency of the government.
E-Government in Nepal
The government of Nepal, in 1971, introduced Information Technology to process the National population census data. National Computer Center was established in 1974 with the objective of providing IT training within Nepal. The government of Nepal, In its IT Policy, focuses on implementing E-Government. The benefits of the appropriate use of E-Government tools are often measured in effectiveness and efficiency gains E-Government, if implemented well can positively influence the general public’s perception of the reliability and effectiveness of their Government. Adversely, if not implemented well, E-Government projects will quite easily fall and thus lead to a decrease in citizen’s trust.
The rapid improvements in information and communication technologies are revolutionizing the way modern governments deliver services to the citizens. Nepal, a developing country has also taken steps towards E-Government transformation similar to the governments in developed countries.
Objectives of E-Government
The main objective of E-Governance is to employ, empower and enable the citizens to build their capacities. Good governance is generally characterized by participation, accountability, and transparency to manage the affairs of the country at all levels. It provides the opportunities to transform the bond between the government and citizens in a new way. The use of ICT in the public sectors can enhance the Government’s capacity to provide better services to its citizens in terms of efficiency and transparency. In addition, the transaction cost can be lowered and the government services and information are more accessible.
Challenges of E-Government
Nepal is facing numerous challenges while introducing and implementing E-Government programs. The challenges are political issues, inadequate human resources, lack of necessary legal framework, little public awareness about ICT, poor ICT infrastructure across the nation, and so on. Most government officials have a way of thinking that they will lose their jobs if ICT is introduced in their working environment. So, they are resistant to the proposed changes.
There are various obstacles to the promotion and implementation of IT in the Government. Some of the major problems faced in the implementation of IT in the Government. Some of the major problems faced in the implementation of IT to increase the efficiency in the government are as follows.
IT literacy
In Nepal, there is a low level of IT literacy. Very few people who are working in the government and non-government offices are familiar with IT and its importance. So, there is an urgent need for widespread IT training for the employees of the government all over the country. All should be aware of the practical benefits of ICT.
Lack of Coordination
Lack of Coordination between G2G (Government to Government) departments are generating the problems. There is a lack of coordination and integration among the IT professionals from the government, industry, and private sector. It is essential because IT utilization and achievement particularly in a developing country like Nepal need to interact among all the stakeholders.
Training
The curriculum of various training institutes should be designed to meet the human resource requirements in the market and the Government as well. The government should have its own Traning Institutions for the IT training needs. Especially, IT training institutes should launch professional training courses and they should be practically oriented too.
IT Policy
Although the government has declared IT policy in 2057 BS, it is not implemented so well. The policy should be appropriate and ensure that it addresses the IT problems from the grassroots level.
The success factor of the implementation of E-Government
Looking at the obstacles and barriers that hamper E-Governance, it has to be understood that the management of technology in the public sector is a difficult task. The government’s IT projects fail due to poor management of the policy. The important factors to be considered while implementing E-Government are given below:
- Promote awareness
- Encourage and support departments
- Standardization
- Ensure security
- Encourage private sector.
Impacts of E-Government
The impacts of implementing E-Government are given below:
- It dramatically improves the efficiency of civil services.
- It encourages public participation.
- It creates a healthy business environment.
- It creates a transparent, accountable, speedy, attractive process for performing government administration.
- It allows sharing existing knowledge, experiences, and resources.