Increased penetration of mobile network, internet infrastructure, and smart phones have made m-governance the pivot of the welfare programmes of the government, but it poses challenges of new dimensions. Discuss.

The convergent forces of digital inclusion, globalization and government efforts in digital infrastructure had led to an increased penetration of mobile. There are currently more than 759 million internet users according to internet and mobile associates of IAMAI. m-Governance - pivot of welfare programs m-Governance is the delivery of government issues using internet on the mobile phones or other devices. i Ease of access to government services from smart phone Ex DigiLocker for certificates ii Direct benefit Transfer for beneficiary became seamless Ex Tan-Dhan -Aadhar -Mobile TAM trinity iii Beneficiary identification and reach had became easy and seamless Ex Registration for welfare schemes on mobile E Initial services for far away areas can be disbursed Ex Telemedicine services - Digi-Doctor (5) Savings for government and enhanced efficiency due to exclusion of middle person and plugging loop holes Ex DBT saved more than 60,000cr 2 (6) Other pivotal role - enhancing transparency & accountability of the welfare schemes Ex Audit reports accesible online

[Challenges of exclusion] i Rural-Urban divide in internet usage and penetration Ex Lack of awareness about m-governance ii Inclusion-Exclusion errors due to lack of knowledge of beneficiary iii MGNREGA workers not receiving wages (3) Women exclusion due to their non participation in eGovernance - Lack overs to smart phones - NFIs to data says around 19% women only used internet in their lifetime iv Exclusion due to lack of internet access in hinterland Ex Tribal areas [Way ahead] i Universal internet access at cheap rate - can live universal service obligation fund ii Digital literacy and awareness - PM Digital Sakshi Abhyaan (3) Focus on women and vulnerable section for digital capacity building Universal access to m-governance and e-governance can be a step towards good-governance