E-government: Digital Technologies to Fight Paper Routine, Remove Queues, and Avoid Time-Wasting
E-government stands for “electronic government”. What does it mean in simple words? In fact, there is nothing complicated about the term. E-government is a system of online government services devised by the authorities of a country. The administration creates a special site or an app to provide services online. Any citizen is welcome to receive government assistance via the Internet platform. Anyone can register on the official site in order to fill in a tax report or renew a driver’s license. Almost every service can be given online.
Why Do We Need a Digital Government?
The authorities develop “a country in smartphones” for several reasons:
- Information and communication technologies simplify the interaction between the residents and officials.
- The paper flow is reduced to the minimum.
- The authority has a perfect opportunity to deliver necessary information to the public anytime anywhere in the country.
- There is no need to go to a local department in person to fill in official documents.
Main Benefits of a Digital Government
Why is digital transformation in government so important? Nowadays, many countries aim to make communication between people and authorities easier. They implement public service technologies to get in touch with every person effortlessly. Administrations have already appreciated the advantages of a digital government, including:
Easy access to e-documents
Every governmental site offers all necessary online help. For example, e-services for transportation in the USA include a car-sharing program. After registration on the site, there will be a wide choice of autos available for you, beginning from 10-passenger vehicle hire to small electric vehicle bookings. On the state site, you will find any type of legal papers – executive acts, social programs for financial aid of the disabled and the vulnerable, as well as unemployment assistance. Using your digital device, you can fill in application forms of all types for business, health insurance, penal fines, and ticket payments.
Openness and Transparency
The communication between officials and residents becomes faster, more transparent, and understandable. The online platform opens access to all offices under the government. The work of all state structures can be checked straightforwardly. All requested and provided services are easily traced. The status of an application and its progress are reflected on the corresponding pages of the site. Such transparency prevents corruption and makes the implementation of executive orders more efficient and clearer.
Convenience
Online entities are especially convenient for people living in the suburbs or far away rural areas. There is no need to leave the countryside for a distant trip to attend the city’s governmental institutions. Just find an appropriate page on the official site and choose the necessary option.
In spite of country-wide digitalization, there are some cases when a personal presence is necessary for processing papers. To get to the state offices and bureaus you might need a car rental company. One of the most reliable agencies is rental24h.com. Here you can find any type of car for hire – from the best USA minivan rental opportunities to a light motor auto from an economy category.
Speedy helping hand
Digital handling excludes red tape completely. Online submitting requests and making applications do not demand much time, money, and effort in comparison with offline bureaucratic runaround. The pros of e-government are evident:
- the reduced amount of paperwork;
- a quick search for necessary up-to-date information;
- timely reporting on government innovations;
- faster response times speeding up service accomplishment.
As a result, the government’s work is well-regulated and applicants get quicker feedback.
A human-centered attitude
Access to information is available to all categories of the population, including people with special needs. The information from the president, ministries, courts, and all governmental structures is gathered on one platform and regularly updated.
Well-organized state coordination
Organizations both private and public receive the latest version of documents to fill and the most accurate data to implement in their work.
Cost-beneficial approach
Government benefits from digitalization are numerous. They can dismiss overmanned staff of clerks and economize on their salaries. Online services are easier to sell due to their universal access.
Public involvement in decision-making and service estimating
Authorities can start a discussion on controversial points to find out the people’s point of view. The public is engaged to express their opinion by sharing comments, taking part in surveys, evaluating the rendered services, and suggesting improvements.
Security of Your Personal Data
Digital application forms demand filling in personal information. Don’t worry, your electronic documentation is kept under firm IT guard. State sites are strongly secured from breaches of the database. To defend from hacking attacks, officials imply reliable encryption and authentication systems. The centralized data storage simplifies the managing and updating of information.
Environmentally friendly facilities
The digital world eliminates tons of paper piles. All the documents are given, received, and signed in an electronic way. Digital paper flow is one of the smartest opportunities to save our planet’s resources.