E-governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain.

E-governance is often reduced to the computerisation of government processes. The Second ARC, however, saw it as SMART government — simple, moral, accountable, responsive and transparent — in which technology is only the carrier. The real test is whether the information delivered has 'use value': whether it is relevant, comprehensible and actionable for the citizen it is meant to serve.

Power of new technology

• Platforms such as UMANG, DigiLocker and e-Office digitise access and cut transaction costs.
• Direct Benefit Transfer plugs leakages, while dashboards like PRAGATI enable real-time monitoring of projects and grievances.

Why the 'use value' of information is critical

• Relevance: eNAM mandi prices or localised agro-advisories help a farmer decide; static PDFs of circulars do not.
• Accessibility: local-language, voice and SMS formats bridge the digital divide that portals alone cannot.
• Actionability: proactive disclosure under Section 4 of the RTI Act and Rajasthan's Jan Soochna Portal convert raw data into claimable entitlements.
• Timeliness and trust: outdated or opaque websites breed disuse, however sophisticated the underlying technology.

Technology supplies the pipeline; use value supplies the purpose. E-governance succeeds only when the right information reaches the right person, in the right form and at the right time, enabling informed action — the shift from government-centric computerisation to citizen-centric governance.