This article has been written by Shio Murti Thakur pursuing a Personal Branding Program for Corporate Leaders from SkillArbitrage.

This article has been edited and published by Shashwat Kaushik.

Introduction 

“Social security is a fundamental human right that exercises social protection and grants access to the existing schemes in the country.” Considering the hectic life of individuals, social security is essential for leading a trouble-free life. E-government will intensify its improvement & monitor its users to realise its full benefits, while also saving costs and creating more transparency through effective technology communication. Good governance delivers public state services and also implements human rights such as education, health & food. E-government also provides opportunities for improving the quality of citizen services , good governance, a sense of responsibility and participation, and creating a relationship between e-governance and social responsibilities. It is expected that the government & corporate sectors will willingly support e-governance social securities for the common people, not only in India but also abroad, as it is directly related to the state & national economies. 

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Social security scheme

It’s a programme that provides retirement benefits to literate people, spouses, children, and survivors. As announced by the government, there are health and medical benefits, unemployment insurance, life & disability insurance, maternity & child care, and rural job guarantees. 

Understanding its objective is crucial

it’s necessary as it provides society & government with people’s security, support if needed and financial freedom. As per the International Labour Organisation (ILO), social security establishes protection for individuals, households & their healthcare & income security, mostly for senior citizens, unemployment, health, as well as work injuries & their maternity. 

We should also recognise its characteristics to build confidence among families regarding their livelihood, quality of life, medical care and income security.

The current global economic crisis has revealed the diminished effectiveness of households’ social protection, which contributes to wealth for an effective  country’s economy. As the global economic crisis has affected every country, it’s important to have adequate protection systems to support individuals & families.

So far, broadening coverage & its effectiveness in social protection should be a decent work agenda that will guide the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in strengthening social protection through the global jobs’ pact. So, effective implementation of social protection schemes will increase their broad coverage through good governance.

Understanding the impact of effective e-governance on enhancing social security

E-governance has information technology which is an initiative for improving the interaction between government and citizens as well as businesses, and internal government operations. For “trusted” services, e-governance should focus on their effectiveness, efficiency, Flexibility & transparency. If the citizen derives maximum benefit from the provision of e‐services, the e‐service must possess the following attributes :

  • The information should be available on e service.
  • Users should be aware of its benefits.   
  •  It should be approachable for users easily. 
  • It should also be accessible. 
  • It should be comprehensive and readily understandable with respect to language and structure.
  • The provision should be confidential.          

From the attributes,  the “value” of information held and processed by the e-governance service requires protection at all levels (i.e., application, infrastructure, operation & management), intends to safeguard the information assets and is determined in terms of confidentiality, integrity and availability. 

Confidentiality: Should protect sensitive information or intelligible interception. 

Integrity: To safeguard the accuracy and information of the software that will protect data from unauthorised, unanticipated or unintentional modification.   

Availability: Ensuring vital IT services are available when required.  

For safeguarding its valued information, effective measures limited to risks and vulnerability also need to be implemented harmoniously for the computing environment.

For any information security system, essentially a combination of application infrastructure as well as operations to enforce security is essential at each level to achieve a fairly secure environment. The probabilities of simultaneous failures of securities are low, which approaches being most effective.

E-governance security standards framework or exploring the layers of security

To keep security measures at different levels in place, a risk analysis must also be performed to consider the intent, motivation & sources of threat, as well as the potential frequency of methods of attack and the consequences of a successful attack.

A better framework to establish information security can be assured through the selection of suitable security controls and management . The activities involved in assuring information security are:

  • Framed information systems.
  • Layering the security controls.
  • Formulate risk assessment.
  • Control based on risk assessment. 
  • Monitoring and analysis of the effectiveness of security control.

Social security in India has a number of statutory insurances and social grant schemes at the central and  state levels. Food security in India is guaranteed under the National Food Security Act, 2013, in which the government provides subsidised food grains to economically disadvantaged people.

Enhancing social security in India through e-governance and welfare schemes

The government’s social security and welfare expenditures are an essential portion of the official budget of social security bodies. Local governments are formulating their development and  implementation of social security policies and additional welfare measures. 

The social protection system of India should be categorised as follows: social support (in the form of welfare payments by cash or kind funded through taxation), as well as provisions for retirement pensions and provident funds, healthcare insurance and medical benefits, sick pay and leaves, unemployment benefits and paid parental leaves.

E-governance utilises Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for guiding governance functions and achieving results. Which  involves leveraging electronic systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in government processes . One important area where e-governance plays a vital role is in the management of social security welfare schemes. Let’s divide this further:

Social Security Welfare Schemes:

  • The Indian government has introduced several social security schemes providing financial protection and support to citizens, especially the poor and underprivileged.
  • Notable among these are the Jan Suraksha Schemes, which were announced in the Budget for 2015-16. These schemes pertain to the insurance and pension sectors and aim to enhance social security for all Indians.
  • E-governance facilitates the efficient disbursement of government entitlements, such as NREGA, Social Security Pension, and Handicapped Old Age Pension, by using technologies like Aadhaar authentication.

E-shram:

  • E-shram is an initiative that focuses on providing social security to unorganised workers.
  • Through e-governance, workers can access information, apply for benefits, and receive entitlements related to social security schemes.
  • The use of technology streamlines the process, reduces paperwork, and ensures timely disbursement of benefits.

E-governance plays a pivotal role in managing social security programmes, making them more accessible, efficient, and transparent for citizens across India. 

So the e ‘Governance of  Social Security’ is a better tool that contributes to strengthening the financial governance of social protection in the country.

So through this, we are moving towards the bright future goal of social protection for all.

E governance in present times

E-governance, also known as digital government, is the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support government operations and interactions with citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders. It encompasses a wide range of applications, including:

Online services

Citizens and businesses can access government services online, such as paying taxes, applying for benefits, and renewing licenses. This can save time and money, and it can also make it easier for people to access services that they might not otherwise be able to. For example, people who live in rural areas or who have disabilities may find it difficult to travel to a government office in person. Online services can also make it easier for people to compare different services and providers.

Electronic document management

Governments can manage documents and workflows electronically, which can improve efficiency and transparency. This can help to reduce the amount of paper that governments use, and it can also make it easier for employees to find the information they need. For example, a government employee who is working on a case may be able to access all of the relevant documents electronically, instead of having to search through paper files.

Case management

Governments can use electronic case management systems to track and manage cases, such as child welfare cases or criminal cases. This can help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system. For example, a case manager may be able to use an electronic case management system to track the progress of a case, schedule hearings, and communicate with other parties involved in the case.

Collaboration

Governments can use ICTs to collaborate with other governments, businesses, and stakeholders. This can help to improve the coordination of government services and to reduce duplication of effort. For example, a government agency may be able to use ICTs to collaborate with a non-profit organization to provide services to low-income families.

Transparency

Governments can use ICTs to make their operations more transparent, such as by publishing open data and providing access to public records. This can help to increase public trust and confidence in government. For example, a government may be able to publish open data on its budget, spending, and performance.

Participation

Governments can use ICTs to engage citizens in decision-making processes, such as by conducting online polls and surveys. This can help to ensure that government decisions are made with the input of the people who will be affected by them. For example, a government may be able to use ICTs to conduct an online poll to get public input on a proposed policy change.

E-governance can provide a number of benefits, including:

  • Efficiency: E-governance can streamline government processes and improve efficiency. For example, online services can allow citizens and businesses to complete transactions without having to visit a government office in person.
  • Transparency: E-governance can make government operations more transparent. For example, publishing open data can allow citizens to access and analyse government data.
  • Participation: E-governance can allow citizens to participate more easily in decision-making processes. For example, online polls and surveys can allow citizens to voice their opinions on government policies.
  • Accountability: E-governance can make government more accountable to citizens. For example, electronic document management systems can track the progress of government cases and ensure that they are handled in a timely and efficient manner.

Challenges for e-governance in India

Challenges for e-governance in India are:

  1. Digital divide:
    • Unequal access to technology and digital literacy creates a barrier for citizens, especially in rural and marginalized communities.
  2. Cybersecurity and data privacy:
    • Ensuring the security of sensitive data and protecting citizens’ privacy in an increasingly digital ecosystem remains a critical challenge.
  3. Legacy systems and infrastructure:
    • Many government agencies still rely on outdated IT systems, making it difficult to implement modern e-governance solutions.
  4. Lack of standardisation and interoperability:
    • Inconsistent standards and lack of interoperability between different government departments hinder seamless data sharing and service delivery.
  5. Capacity and skill development:
    • Building a skilled workforce with adequate knowledge of e-governance technologies and processes is essential for successful implementation.
  6. Regulatory and legal framework:
    • Developing a robust legal and regulatory framework to address issues related to digital transactions, data protection, and cybercrimes is crucial.
  7. Financial constraints:
    • Limited budgetary resources can hinder the adoption and implementation of comprehensive e-governance initiatives.
  8. Citizen awareness and trust:
    • Building public awareness and trust in e-governance services is essential for their widespread adoption and usage.
  9. Language barriers:
    • India’s linguistic diversity poses a challenge in providing accessible and inclusive e-governance services in multiple languages.
  10. Resistance to change:
    • Resistance from traditional bureaucratic structures and reluctance to embrace digital transformation can slow down e-governance efforts.
  11. Sustainability and scalability:
    • Ensuring the long-term sustainability and scalability of e-governance initiatives is crucial to maintain their effectiveness and impact.
  12. Integration with existing government systems:
    • Integrating e-governance solutions with existing government systems and processes seamlessly is a complex task.
  13. Public-private partnerships:
    • Developing effective public-private partnerships to leverage private sector expertise and resources for e-governance initiatives is essential.
  14. Evaluation and monitoring:
    • Implementing robust evaluation and monitoring mechanisms to assess the effectiveness and impact of e-governance initiatives is necessary.
  15. Data analytics and artificial intelligence:
    • Leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making, improve service delivery, and combat cyber threats remains a challenge.

Summary

E-governance of social security refers to the use of electronic means, particularly information and communication technologies (ICT), to improve the delivery of social security services by government agencies. This approach leverages digital platforms, databases, and online systems to streamline processes, enhance accessibility, and ensure efficient management of social security programmes. Here are some key aspects of e-governance in social security:

  • Online application and enrollment: Citizens can apply for social security benefits, such as unemployment benefits, disability benefits, or retirement pensions, through secure online portals. This reduces paperwork and waiting times for applicants.
  • Digital verification and authentication: E-governance systems utilise digital identity verification methods to authenticate individuals applying for benefits, ensuring accuracy and minimising fraud.
  • Integrated databases: E-governance platforms integrate various databases to facilitate efficient management of social security programmes. This includes linking databases from government agencies, such as tax authorities or healthcare providers, to verify eligibility and streamline processes.
  • Electronic payment systems: Social security benefits can be disbursed electronically through direct deposit into bank accounts or prepaid debit cards, eliminating the need for paper checks and reducing administrative costs.
  • Online access to information: Citizens can access information about their social security benefits, eligibility criteria, payment history, and other relevant details through secure online portals. This promotes transparency and empowers individuals to manage their benefits effectively.
  • Mobile applications: Government agencies may develop mobile applications to provide convenient access to social security services, allowing citizens to apply for benefits, track their applications, receive notifications, and access relevant resources from their smartphones or tablets.
  • Data analytics and predictive modelling: E-governance systems leverage data analytics and predictive modelling techniques to analyse trends, identify patterns of fraud or abuse, and improve decision-making in social security administration.
  • Cybersecurity measures: Robust cybersecurity measures are implemented to protect sensitive personal information and prevent unauthorised access to e-governance systems, ensuring data privacy and confidentiality.
  • User feedback mechanisms: E-governance platforms may incorporate feedback mechanisms to gather input from users, allowing government agencies to continuously improve the quality of social security services and address issues promptly.

Overall, e-governance plays a crucial role in modernising social security systems, enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and accountability in the delivery of benefits and services to citizens.

References

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