On the current wave in the governance arena e-governance has become a concern of key consideration around all the concerned quarter and has become an issue of public concentration. In the era of information super highway people around the world are making their lives more comfortable. This helps them in saving time and money and invoking improved service delivery by the government agencies. Examining the cot-benefit analysis of e-governance is of much importance for deciding whether this mechanism is really improving the lifestyle of the citizenry and the public expenditure utilized in this purpose is duly evaluated. The implication of cost-benefit analysis of e-governance is of much significance in determining the justifiability of a newer concept in governance mechanism in the countries around the world.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Purpose of the Study
Hypothesis
Methodology
Governance
E-Governance
Overview of E-Government
Philosophy and Practices of E-governance
Difference between E-Government and Private Enterprises
Reasons for E-Governance Development
Private Sector Intervention
Good Governance
Development of Web
Significance of E-Government
Scrutinizing existing mechanism
Orientation of Technology
Efficient Personnel and Efficient management
Capacity Building
Mass Awareness
Benefits of E-Governance
E-Governance in Bangladesh
Major Challenges of e-Governance in Bangladesh
The National ICT Policy and E-Governance
Local e- governance
Local E-Governance in Bangladesh
Impediments of Local E-Governance in Bangladesh
Poverty
Lack of Consciousness
Outdated Educational System
Conventional Attitude of Govt. Officials
Absence of a Working Mechanism
Lack of Strategic Framework
Indifferent Ministries and Departments
Lack of Adequate Infrastructure
Lack of Adequate Legal Framework
Economic Disparity
Unconscious and Inefficient Public Servant
Local content and non-availability of information
E-readiness: Recent Trend
Recent Development : E- Governance in Bangladesh
Ministry and Division
Cellular Phone
ISP and Cyber Café
Foreign Assistance
E-Governance and Thought of People: An Overhaul
Cost – Benefit Analysis
Justifiability of Cost-Benefit Analysis
Recommendations and Concluding Remarks
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of e-governance implementation within the context of Bangladesh, examining its potential to enhance administrative efficiency, reduce corruption, and promote democratic transparency while identifying the strategic and economic barriers to its adoption.
- Economic and strategic evaluation of e-governance infrastructure.
- Assessment of current impediments to local e-governance in rural and urban settings.
- Analysis of the correlation between ICT adoption and governance reform.
- Role of private sector intervention in public service delivery.
- Identification of required policy frameworks to bridge the digital divide.
Excerpt from the Book
Significance of E-Government
The overall purposes of E-Government initiatives are to perk up and to improve citizen access to E-Government information and services. The e-Governance promoters often indicate electronic delivery of government services; paying fees and fines, ordering services, finding information, submitting tenders, applications, permits and licenses. In our most ICT connected societies, 70% of people have no access in network and will be disenfranchised. E-government procurement has a catalytic effect giving it strategic significance. However, its implementation is often misunderstood and the seeds of failure often sown with presumptions about the relative roles of technology, management and culture (Schapper). In the context of Bangladesh certainly it can make the government more efficient, transparent and effective. Information Technology today is recognized as an effective tool for catalyzing the economic activity in efficient governance and in developing human resource (eGovernance, C-DAC). The e- government strengthens the trust in government by instilling a new sense of public possession in its procedure, while at the same time improving the efficacy and efficiency of government service delivery.
As the era of Digital Economy develops, ‘the concept of good Governance assumes a greater implication. It is expected that in this context the Electronic Governance will result in improved transparency, speedy information dissemination, higher administrative efficiency and improved public services in sectors including transportation, education, power, health, water, security and the state administration and municipal services. E-Governance holds significant potential as a tool to assist the government of Bangladesh in achieving its governance reform objects. E-Governance is basically designed to improve the efficiency, responsiveness, transparency and accountability of the government.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: Provides a contextual overview of the rapid development of ICT and its transformative potential for public administration and democratic empowerment in developing countries like Bangladesh.
Purpose of the Study: Defines the research intent to analyze the economic and strategic feasibility of e-governance and its impact on the lifestyle of the citizenry.
Hypothesis: Outlines the core research assumptions, specifically testing whether the implementation costs of e-governance outweigh the tangible benefits and if it is feasible for the Bangladeshi government.
Methodology: Describes the combined analytical and empirical approach, utilizing primary and secondary data sources and field investigations to ensure the accuracy of the study.
Governance: Establishes the theoretical foundation of governance as a process of interaction and coordination aimed at ensuring democratic culture and human rights.
E-Governance: Defines the core concepts of e-governance as the use of electronic mediums to improve government functioning, raise productivity, and ensure corruption-free administration.
E-Governance in Bangladesh: Evaluates the current nascent stage of e-government in the country, highlighting key programs like the support to ICT taskforce.
Major Challenges of e-Governance in Bangladesh: Details the primary obstacles, including lack of public awareness, infrastructural deficits, high costs, and inadequate legal frameworks.
The National ICT Policy and E-Governance: Discusses the government’s strategic commitment to digitalizing public administration through the National ICT Policy.
Local e- governance: Explains the three pillars of local e-governance: governing local content, access, and infrastructure.
Local E-Governance in Bangladesh: Analyzes the specific challenges of bringing e-governance to the rural population and the importance of adapting to local economic conditions.
Impediments of Local E-Governance in Bangladesh: Categorizes critical barriers such as poverty, lack of technological consciousness, and administrative resistance.
E-readiness: Recent Trend: Reviews the evolution of telecommunication infrastructure in Bangladesh, noting the growth of mobile telephony and its role in internet access.
Recent Development : E- Governance in Bangladesh: Highlights emerging initiatives within various ministries, divisions, and the role of cellular phone and ISP advancements.
Foreign Assistance: Describes the impact of international projects and knowledge transfer in accelerating e-governance maturity.
E-Governance and Thought of People: An Overhaul: Examines public perception, cultural barriers, and the practical necessity of e-governance for national advancement.
Cost – Benefit Analysis: Argues that the long-term efficiency gains of e-governance justify the initial investment, supported by evidence from other countries.
Justifiability of Cost-Benefit Analysis: Concludes that despite resource constraints, the strategic necessity of e-governance is indisputable for bridging the digital divide.
Recommendations and Concluding Remarks: Provides a roadmap for successful implementation, emphasizing the need for bottom-up planning, capacity building, and public-private partnerships.
Keywords
E-Governance, Bangladesh, ICT Policy, Digital Divide, Public Administration, Good Governance, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Infrastructure, Capacity Building, Transparency, Accountability, Rural Development, Electronic Service Delivery, Information Technology, Public-Private Partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on conducting a cost-benefit analysis of implementing e-governance systems in Bangladesh, exploring how such reforms can improve public service delivery and government transparency.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The key themes include the conceptual framework of e-governance, current infrastructure in Bangladesh, systemic impediments such as poverty and lack of skills, and strategic recommendations for national policy.
What is the primary research question?
The research primarily questions whether the implementation of e-governance is economically feasible for Bangladesh and if the benefits, such as reduced corruption and improved efficiency, truly outweigh the high costs of deployment.
Which scientific methodology does the author employ?
The author uses both an analytical and empirical methodology, incorporating secondary data from international and local sources alongside field investigations to validate the findings.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the definition of governance, the current state of ICT infrastructure in Bangladesh, major socio-economic hurdles, recent progress through foreign-aided projects, and a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.
Which keywords define this study?
Key terms include e-governance, digital divide, public administration, national ICT policy, Bangladesh, infrastructure, and transparency.
How does poverty impact e-governance development in Bangladesh?
Poverty serves as a major impediment because it limits technological access, leads to low computer literacy, and creates a significant digital divide between urban and rural populations.
What role does the private sector play according to the author?
The author argues that public-private partnerships are essential for effective e-governance, as the private sector can provide the technological expertise and operational efficiency that the public sector often lacks.
- Quote paper
- LL.M. Mahfuzar Rahman Chowdhury (Author), 2008, Cost-Benefit analysis of E-Governance: Bangladesh perspective, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/115871
