However, we must understand that e-government is not a complete solution for eradicating corruption and inefficiency of the government. If designed properly, e-government can be a solution to revolutionise the processes of the government. We should never forget that e-government is government first and electronic second. Administrative improvements brought about through the use of ICT are welcome, but the real goal should be to enhance the performance of the government.
His Majesty's government has started to recognise this opportunity by taking several initiatives that are geared towards capacity building, reducing the digital divide in the government itself. E-government is a process that requires well thought-out planning at the policy level and commitment from the top level of the government. E-government has the potential of revolutionising the way people interact with the government or vice versa. From the rural farms of Brazil to the small villages in Sri Lanka, e-government initiatives are helping the public sector to deal with the challenges of economic, social and environmental renewal. The government needs to realise that government is not simply providing employees with high-end personal computers, e-mail and reliable Internet access. These are just the technological aspects of e-government, but the requirements demand effective capacity building rather than technical. Both bureaucrats and politicians should not deviate from formulating the main strategy, which does not depend solely on technological aspect. Success can only be notified if the implementation of smaller projects is handled in phases.
Phase 1:
Governments produce massive volumes of information that is useful to the government, business and citizens. Getting hold of that information has mostly proven to be a problem. On the other hand, the Internet can disseminate this information quickly and more directly to the citizens. The government can start the process of e-government by creating government websites and publishing government information online. The website is a communication tool, its primary function it to enable individuals and organisations to share and exchange information over the Internet. Through a website, it is possible to make information available to the public very quickly in electronic format. This allows people access to government information without having to travel to government offices. Citizens often hesitate to visit government offices given the unprofessional attitude of the government employees and inefficiency of government operations.
The government should embark on an initiative to get information online. The posted information should be developed in the local languages that add value to the citizens. Websites must be developed that are easy to maintain. Sufficient funding must be allocated to develop the needed skilled manpower to ensure that information is updated regularly.
Phase 2:
Developing a static website to disseminate government information is a mere stepping stone. E-government has the potential to involve citizens in the governance process (e.g. by engaging them in interaction with policy makers throughout the policy cycle at all levels).
Interactive websites involve two way communication, starting with basic functions like e-mail communication between the citizens and the government and feedback forms that allow users to submit comments and complaints. This participatory approach contributes to winning the public's trust towards the government.
It is very important that the government ensure an integrated two-way public feedback through e-government. The government needs to communicate simply, concisely and in such a way that it is not misunderstood by the public. Therefore, it is necessary to break down complex issues into easy to understand components. Uneducated people of the rural areas might not be aware of the government's services and initiatives to engage the citizens. Therefore, it is necessary to use the traditional media to publicise and encourage citizen participation. It is very important to engage citizens from the starting phase to promote transparency, openness and accountability, increasing the government's legitimacy and public understanding of government activities. This should strengthen trust and satisfaction.
Phase 3:
The replacement of records from the offices to the hardware of the computers will narrow the bridge between the citizens and the government. Transactional websites can offer government services 24 hours. Most of the Nepalese citizens are illiterate, and, if literate, can hardly interact in English. Therefore online services should be designed in such a way that all citizens can use the services. Our government needs to work towards creating transactional websites, which allow the users to conduct transactions online. The need for this replacement is urgency for the government as the private sector is closing in with high-tech Internet-based services.
It is high time that the government utilized and prioritized ICT to streamline the current bureaucratic and labour-intensive procedures to save money and increase productivity in the long run. Automation and revamp procedures and processes in areas of revenue generating areas such as taxes, customs and fine collection will curtail corruption.
E-government will be a slow process if policy makers move towards re-inventing the wheel, moving into investment-centric modes and implementing projects that are top-driven with little public participation.
Autor: Bimal P. Shah
Quelle: Gorkhapatra, 16.06.2005
