Challenges to the digital dreams
- Imphal Times Editorial :: October 14 2018 -

With the world converging into an online platform for almost every conceivable task, it is becoming increasingly impossible to stay off the grid for even a single day.

Digital network has invaded the personal space to such an extent that almost every aspect of our social life- be it relating to work, commerce, education, leisure or health have increasingly been depending on it, the most significant feature of the digital revolution being the convenience and transparency it afforded.

The government of India, as a significant part of its plan to revolutionise and revamp the country and make it a truly digital nation by offering a plethora of e-governance services across sectors using mobility, cloud, analytics etc have envisaged a mission which, if implemented systematically and efficiently, will pave the way for an improved and efficient administration and transparent governance.

But there still is many a slip between the cup and the lip, and the most glaring example would be a quick search for any updated and relevant government related information in the state.

While the vision which will propel our country into its next phase of growth can be applauded and appreciated, it is imperative that various concerns of which there are quite a few are addressed and analysed to make the mission attain its objective.

The Digital India programme with the expenditure doubled to rupees 3,073 crore for the next fiscal year against rupees 1,425.63 crore in 2017-18 has been welcomed by the industry and is expected to make significant changes for the better.

The operating model and management on the supply side of the proposed transformation requires thoughtful and meticulous planning and phased implementation with continuous feedback to ensure that the impact is as radical and far reaching as envisaged.

For that to happen, the digital infrastructure is required to be put in place, of which the telecom infrastructure will form the base on top of which software, apps etc of IT infrastructure is required.

More importantly, the contents of these websites, apps, softwares etc needs to be relevant to the needs and requirements of the citizens and address their real time requirements- an issue that is proving to be the biggest hurdle that the government and its resources have yet to effectively tackle, and also the capacity of the infrastructure to cater to the digital demand of the citizens of the country.

The biggest challenge to the whole mission still remains that of the change management as the government as an established system of administration has been working in its own particular and well-oiled manner with its in-built sub-systems of considerations, unofficial deals and other forms of inducements to work the chain.

The mentality and outlook of these employees and other human resources needs to be changed to be able to attune to the changing work environment and the challenges it brings.

The removal of avenues for unofficial personal gains might deter a number of these employees to embrace the change or adapt themselves to the new work culture.

Every departmental heads must be handed the onus of inducing a sense of excitement and positive challenge to the changes that must be made for the grand mission to succeed.

Reorientation workshops, seminars and departmental debates with experienced resource persons can motivate the human workforce in no small measure.

At the end of the day, it is the human factor that will determine whether the digital dream will be realized or otherwise.

Machines and gadgets are as effective and efficient as the persons operating them.

Human effort, or the lack of it will be the ultimate decider on the grand dream the country is still dreaming.