E-Governance Models: G2C & G2B - A brief introduction

What are E-governance models?

Similar to B2C and B2B, Government to Consumer (G2C) and Government to Business (G2B) are two types of e-commerce models classified in terms of participators. The two models come under e-governance initiatives where governments, civil and political institutions provide greater access to information, support, feedback and promote higher participation in the governance process through ICT such as the internet. The premise is to provide transparency and efficiency by making administrative services and info remotely and rapidly accessible.

Initiatives and Applications of E-Governance models

Take for instance, applying for an Aadhar/PAN card through govt. portals, renewing licenses through websites of local municipalities, filing GST online, applying for transfer benefits or even using apps like e-Mandi, mKisan Portal, Passport Seva etc. which facilitate smooth processes in information sharing and commerce.

Both the G2C and G2B models combined intend to provide a plethora of services; from integrated management and computerized storage of business processes and records to heightened delivery of information and services and everything in between. Recent initiatives have also explored electronic exchange of money such as paying of taxes, utility bills, renewing licenses, registrations etc. and use of electronic communication for democratic decision making through online disclosure policies, redressal forums and e-referendums.

The following is a list of important G2B services:

1)   Goods and Services Tax: A portal for information related to GST.

2)   E-Filing Tax return: This portal provides information and services relating to e-filing of tax returns

3)   Udyog Aadhar – A portal registration of small, micro and medium enterprises

4)   DEEP Portal – e-bidding & auction portal for procurement of short-term power by DISCOMs.

5)   Shram Suvidha Portal: A portal for businesses to facilitate registrations and return submission under labor laws.

The following is a list of important G2C services:

1)   E-citizen services: Provides useful information about Aadhar card, Ration card, PAN card etc.

2)   Employment related services: Provides career opportunities between those who need jobs and those who want to hire.

3)   Grievance Redressal Services: Includes redressal provisions of various grievances such as information, misleading advertisements, artificial pricing, workplace mistreatment, sexual harassment etc.

4)   National Voter Service Portal: Platform to provide all types of information and support services to electors/ voters including name change, grievances regarding deletion of name in electoral roll etc.

5)   Education related service: Portal which provides information and access to important books, registered academic programs, scholarships, exam results, student loans etc.  

In-conclusion

Quoting from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, “No country has so far implemented an e-Governance system for one billion people. It is a big challenge for us.”

The initiatives have rendered many benefits such as empowering people to gather information, fostering administrative transparency, reduced regulatory hassles and in general has brought the government closer to the people. We do emphasize the commendable task of introducing these initiatives under the country’s e-governance ambitions. However, awareness/ acceptability about these services still remain below desired levels.