Using Technology for Decentralised Governance: How Maharashtra Adopted E-Governance in Its Panchayats
Susan D George
Abstract
This paper examines the adoption of technology in the functioning of Maharashtra’s Panchayats. Following the launch of a pan-India programme for e-governance in the Panchayats by the federal government in 2006 with the stated aim of improving the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the Panchayats, the states were incentivised to adopt the federal e-governance applications. While adopting some of the federal e- governance applications, many states, including Maharashtra, continued to develop and use their own applications in order to monitor the functioning of the Panchayats. Maharashtra, though one of the most urbanised states in India, also exhibits considerable regional disparity in economic development. The analysis of the primary sources and secondary data indicates that, despite regional disparity, e-governance has been adopted by the Panchayats across the state. The use of technology has enabled transparency in the Panchayats’ functioning and speedy delivery of services to citizens.