E-governance refers to the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability of the government. The main goals of E-governance are: better service delivery to citizens; improved service for business; transparency and accountability to minimise corruption; empowerment through information; and efficient government procurement.
The Internet and related technologies are transforming the world we live in. They are increasingly influencing the way of our daily activities. E-governance aims at capturing the benefits of these technologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. Governments worldwide have recognised that the transformation from traditional government to electronic government is one of the most important public policy issues of this time. Because of the extent of its potential opportunities -- and risks -- the Audit Offices around the world, particularly developed countries are in the way of adopting e-governance as a theme for a series of performance audits.
Existing situation of ICT in Bangladesh: Bangladesh is now at an early stage of Information Technology (IT). Very recently the Ministry of Science, Information and Communication Technology has developed an information technology (IT) policy for Bangladesh, which would help furthering ICT developments in the country. In Bangladesh, computers were first introduced in the Atomic Energy Commission in 1964 and were mainly for research and data processing. Personal computers gained popularity in the early 1990s when they became more user-friendly and affordable but the real boost came in 1998 with the introduction of Internet in 1996. More than 100 Internet Service Providers are now offering dial-up and broad band internet services. Private sector has significantly developed in IT sector while public sector is still lagging far behind. However, both the public and private sector felt the importance of IT and gave priority to this sector. Besides the IT policy, the government ha s also framed E-governance policy. Steps have been taken to link with information superhighway through submarine cable.
More: Financial Express.
Posted by:
Atanu Garai.
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