Even though the birth of the information and communication technology is largely a product of the private sector with individuals taking the lead, governments can also benefit from it. Additionally, governments can create enabling environments for the industry to flourish by giving incentives to upcoming players and creating a suitable legal framework to operate if it wants to benefit more.
In this post, dissertation editing experts share some of the ways through which modern tech is helping to advance service delivery by governments. We shall look at case studies from Kenya, Tanzania, and Georgia to understand how states can harness the power of technology to deliver better services to taxpayers.
Enhanced Taxation Collection
Let us start our post with what matters the most to citizens and governments—taxes. This area is sensitive since no government can run without cash. In a report about unlocking the power of taxation, it was discovered that governments can optimize electronic channels such as the Internet and mobile phones to improve the way they collect revenues.
Also, these channels can help in the reduction of long queues at government tax offices while minimizing the possibilities of tax evasion. In this case study, the Republic of Tanzania in 2013 used mobile phones and collected 4.7bn Tanzanian shillings ($2.5m US dollars) in three weeks. Before implementing this mobile system, it could only collect 1.7bn ($1m) during the same period.
Issuance of Vital Documents
The issuance of vital documents is another area where governments can use modern technology to serve their citizens better. In every country, people apply for driving licenses, national ID cards, passports, and birth certificates. Using modern technology, it is now possible to get all these documents by applying online. You don’t need to go queuing in government offices when you can get all the forms online and submit them.
Also, it is not just efficient, but faster since it takes lesser time to get these vital documents. Another advantage of such processes is that it is free from corruption since no corrupt state officials come in between asking for the public to pay “facilitation fees” to “buy forms or rubber stamping ink” to stamp application forms.
Better Communication
The only thing that arises out of poor communication or the absolute lack of it is misunderstanding. With the rise of the Internet, governments can post all their operations on their websites and other online channels. For instance, states can utilize their Twitter handle to give their people real-time updates on what is going on. You can as well build on demand delivery app that aid you efficiently.
Better Law Enforcement
With better technology, the state can perform its security functions better and more efficiently. The police can use technology to detect and prevent crimes. For instance, the use of CCTV cameras is one of the tools that its security agents can use since they capture and relay real-time images from crime scenes and alert the police to act on time and bring the suspects to book.
Better Legal Processes
Using technology, governments can serve justice to their people faster and more reliably. With digitization, it is no longer possible for people to bribe court officers to hide forms as a means of dragging cases in courts under the pretext that “files are missing.” Also, the judges and as well as the magistrates can duely perform their duties remotely through the use of video conferencing and still deliver the same best quality of justice to the public (people).
Developing Skills
Skills are the backbone of all public service delivery since all public workers need to be skilled to serve people. Using technology, it is now easier to undertake training than it used to be in the former days. Utilizing technology, workers can access training through online portals and video. This way, the public sector will become more competitive, retain, and attract the best talent in the market to foster better service delivery to the citizens.
Open-Data Portal in Kenya
One of the ways that governments can use to increase transparency and improve a country’s economic prospects is through easier access to information. In the Kenyan case, the constitution dictates that all Kenyans have a right to access information. In 2009, Kenya became the first African country to launch open-data portal, to allow citizens to access information on health, mining, energy, population, water, and sanitation. The agenda of the system is a part of its wider plan to get fresh ways of utilizing technology to increase civic participation, support distributed innovation, and make national development more participatory and transparent.
One-Stop Shops in Georgia
Another case study on how governments can embrace technology to serve the public better is Georgia. This solution came into effect as one of the government’s desire to deliver high-quality services to the public efficiently. Also, the program seeks to streamline regulatory and licensing processes for business operations. Here, the public can get everything in one place such as customs clearance, new business permits, processing of land titles, birth certificates, divorce papers, and vehicle licenses. The “shops” are also a part of its plan to eliminate corruption among state officers and enhance transparency in service delivery.
Enterprise Development
Lastly, the state can use technology to help in its duties as a facilitator of employment opportunities among its people. Using its ICT expertise, the government can partner with other players in the private sector to help in developing enterprise among its citizenry.
Technology can help the government to serve its citizens better. First, it can use it to enhance security by empowering its law enforcers. Second, it can use it to speed up the issuance of vital documents such as birth certificates and passports. Third, it can optimize information and communication technology to keep its citizens informed about its activities. Fourth, technology is vital in helping to speed up judicial processes. Fifth, technology can be used to develop skills among public servants to make the sector more attractive and effective. Lastly, tech is critical in helping the state to develop enterprise and innovation.
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