Definition of E-Governance (Electronic Governance)

E-governance - (1) meaning ‘electronic governance’ is using information and communication technologies (ICTs) at various levels of the government and the public sector and beyond, for the purpose of enhancing governance. (2) is the public sector’s use of information and communication technologies with the aim of improving information and service delivery, encouraging citizen participation in the decision-making process and making government more accountable, transparent and effective. E-governance involves new styles of leadership, new ways of debating and deciding policy and investment, new ways of accessing education, new ways of listening to citizens and new ways of organizing and delivering information and services. E-governance is generally considered as a wider concept than e-government, since it can bring about a change in the way citizens relate to governments and to each other. E-governance can bring forth new concepts of citizenship, both in terms of citizen needs and responsibilities. Its objective is to engage, enable and empower the citizen. (3) is the application of information and communication technology which transforms the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of informational and transactional exchanges; reducing the cost of government (national, municipal and local levels), citizens, agencies, businesses etc. and to empower them through access and use of information.