Role of DESC (District e-Service Centre) in Promoting e-Governance in Bangladesh: A Case Study of Netrokona District e-Service Centre
- March 16, 2021
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Public Administration
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue II, February 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186
Nefertum Mursheda1, Mujahidul Islam2
1Honors and Master’s in Development Studies from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
2Lecturer of Development Studies, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Bangladesh
Abstract: The core objective of e-governance is to provide services to people in a less time consuming, easily accessible and corruption free process using internet based platforms. Considering its positive aspects, the government of Bangladesh is trying to assure best possible use of modern technologies in rendering government services to the people which also resembles their commitment in upgrading the country as a digital one. Establishment of District e-Service Centers (DESCs) across the country is among the major steps towards promoting e-governance. The DESCs of Bangladesh are using modern information technology for service delivery and information dissemination. Introduction of an e-service center in Netrokona made some government services easily accessible and cost effective for the recipients in addition to that, the system reduced discrepancies and assured more accountability in service delivery process. Lack of updated data base for service recipients, lack of proper tracking system and lack of feedback receiving option are some of the major limitations existing at current DESCs. Moreover, some services like bill payment, telemedicine, e-education, etc. were expected to be there but not available at the moment. Interruption in power supply, poor coverage of internet, insufficient manpower and equipments and poor literacy on information technology are some of the major challenges faced by DESC of Netrokona. Initiatives to fulfill the lacking and assistance to overcome the challenges are need of time for a more effective district e-service center. Continuous research by service providers and academicians are necessary for better e-service delivery.
Key words: e-service, e-governance, good governance, public service delivery, DESC
I. INTRODUCTION
The world has experienced a major paradigm shift in the field of governance. The new paradigm is named as e-governance. It is a great way to uphold the democratic purposes of the citizens. To serve this purpose, a linier relationship among common people, civil society groups, enterprise owners and government officials is necessary. The old age traditional system of public service delivery has been failing to serve people’s need on time. A continuous transition from territorial and hierarchical governance system to an adaptive and technology based governance system has been observed for most part of the world (Soavolainen et al, 2004). Following the global trend, the government of Bangladesh took a vision to digitalized Bangladesh by 2021.
