The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam, particularly its Civil Services Examination (CSE), is one of the most challenging and prestigious competitive exams in India. It selects candidates for key government services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS). Writing essays for this exam demands a mix of knowledge, analytical ability, clarity of expression, and balanced viewpoints. Here’s a model essay for an aspirant:
Topic: The Role of Technology in Modernizing Governance in India
In the 21st century, governance in India is rapidly transforming, largely due to the integration of technology. The Indian government has recognized the potential of technology in improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency. With its vast population, India faces challenges in public service delivery, administration, and citizen engagement. The role of technology, particularly digital technology, has become pivotal in addressing these challenges and modernizing governance.
1. Technology as an Enabler of E-Governance:
E-governance refers to the use of information and communication technology (ICT) for delivering government services, engaging citizens, and improving the efficiency of public administration. India's Digital India campaign, launched in 2015, is a prime example of how technology can be leveraged to streamline governance. Through initiatives like MyGov, citizens can directly interact with the government, providing feedback and suggestions for policy changes. The Common Services Centers (CSCs), which provide digital access to government services in rural areas, have made public services more accessible.
One of the significant achievements is the creation of Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric identification system. Linked with various welfare schemes, Aadhaar has enabled the government to eliminate middlemen, reduce leakages in subsidies, and ensure that benefits reach the deserving sections of society. The Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity has been instrumental in financial inclusion, allowing the government to directly transfer subsidies and welfare payments to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
2. Improving Transparency and Accountability:
Corruption has been one of the key challenges in Indian governance. Technology has emerged as a strong tool to promote transparency and accountability. Online platforms such as RTI (Right to Information) portals enable citizens to seek information about government functioning, reducing the discretionary power of officials. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform ensures transparency in public procurement by allowing vendors to participate in the procurement process through an open and fair bidding system.
Additionally, the introduction of e-office systems in various government departments has reduced paperwork, minimized delays, and improved decision-making processes. Digital tracking of file movements makes it easier to monitor the progress of tasks, which enhances accountability among government employees.
3. Enhancing Service Delivery:
Public service delivery in India has seen a significant transformation through the application of technology. Platforms like UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) integrate various government services on a single mobile app, enabling citizens to access services such as tax payments, utility bill payments, and healthcare information from their smartphones.
In healthcare, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has sought to establish a digital health ecosystem, providing citizens with a health ID linked to their medical records. This allows for better tracking of healthcare services and ensures citizens can access quality healthcare across the country.
4. Addressing Challenges in Technological Governance:
Despite these advances, the integration of technology in governance is not without challenges. The digital divide remains a significant barrier, especially in rural areas where internet penetration is low, and access to digital services is limited. To ensure inclusive governance, the government must address issues of digital literacy, connectivity, and infrastructure in remote regions.
Privacy and data security also pose concerns. With increasing reliance on digital platforms, ensuring the protection of citizens’ personal data is crucial. The Personal Data Protection Bill, once enacted, will help safeguard citizens’ privacy while ensuring responsible use of data by government and private entities.
5. Future Prospects:
Looking ahead, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and blockchain have the potential to revolutionize governance further. AI can be employed to analyze vast datasets for more informed policymaking, while blockchain can be used to secure government transactions and ensure the integrity of data. Additionally, the use of drones and geospatial technologies in monitoring infrastructure projects, agricultural development, and disaster management can provide real-time data for better decision-making.
Conclusion:
Technology is undoubtedly transforming governance in India, making it more transparent, accountable, and citizen-friendly. The success of e-governance initiatives is evident in the improved service delivery and the increased engagement of citizens in governance. However, to fully realize the potential of technology, it is essential to address the challenges of the digital divide, data privacy, and cyber security. As India moves towards becoming a digital-first nation, technology will play a critical role in creating a more inclusive and efficient governance system that caters to the needs of all its citizens.
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