Several government websites in Assam are often inaccessible, displaying errors or taking unreasonably long to load
In the age of digitisation, where government portals are expected to bridge the gap between governance and citizens, the Assam government’s websites stand as an exception. Plagued by outdated data, incomplete information, and accessibility issues, some of these portals are becoming more of a hindrance than a help to the public. The situation not only reflects poorly on the administration's commitment to transparency and efficiency, but also raises serious questions about accountability and maintenance.
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A glaring example of this negligence is the Assam Transport Department’s website. The data available on the portal dates back to nearly a decade, rendering it practically useless for current or future references. Citizens seeking updated information on transport policies, vehicle registration procedures, or road safety initiatives are often left frustrated.
This trend is not restricted to the Transport Department. Many other government websites showcase incomplete sections, leaving users to navigate a network of dead ends. Basic resources like downloadable forms, guidelines for schemes, and policy updates are either missing or outdated. The absence of regularly updated content reflects a lack of monitoring and review mechanisms.
Accessibility is another major concern. Several government websites in Assam are often inaccessible, displaying errors or taking unreasonably long to load. For individuals relying on these platforms for crucial information, this is a significant barrier. “It’s like a digital wall instead of a bridge. Sometimes the website just doesn’t open, and at other times, the information is from years ago. It’s frustrating,” said a young entrepreneur from Guwahati, who wished to remain anonymous.
One of the underlying issues is the absence of accountability in maintaining these websites. Government departments seem to lack a system for reviewing and updating their online platforms. Regular audits, which are standard practices in many states, appear to be missing in Assam’s case.
Experts in digital governance suggest that such negligence could stem from insufficient budget allocation or lack of skilled personnel. However, the real cost is borne by the citizens who depend on these portals for services and information.
For the average citizen attempting to interact with government services online, the experience can be daunting. Whether it’s updating vehicle registrations, applying for permits, or simply checking the status of a public scheme, users face endless hurdles.
“I tried to update my vehicle registration online, but the website kept crashing. I finally had to visit the office, where I was asked to fill out a form that wasn’t even mentioned on the portal,” lamented a resident of Jorhat.
The lack of reliable digital infrastructure defeats the purpose of e-governance, which aims to make public services more accessible and efficient.
The issues extend beyond outdated data. Even the contact details provided on government websites are frequently incorrect or non-functional. For instance, the mobile numbers assigned to police officials are often unreachable. In some cases, the numbers are operational, but there is no response from the concerned officers.
This lack of reliable communication channels not only frustrates the public but also undermines the government’s ability to respond to emergencies and grievances.
Assam’s digital infrastructure woes are indicative of a larger problem. In an era where the government is pushing for digitisation and initiatives like Digital India, such lapses in Assam highlight a failure to keep pace with national standards. It also raises questions about the state’s readiness to adopt emerging technologies and integrate them into governance.
The consequences of these issues extend beyond mere inconvenience. They hinder transparency, erode public trust, and create an environment where citizens are forced to rely on outdated methods to access essential services.
Experts suggest a multi-pronged approach to address the issue:
1. Regular Audits: Departments must establish a system of regular audits to review and update their websites. This should include verifying data accuracy, updating contact details, and ensuring all resources are functional.
2. Dedicated Teams: Each department should have a dedicated team of IT professionals responsible for maintaining their digital platforms. Adequate budget allocations for these teams are essential.
3. Citizen Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing a system where users can report errors or suggest improvements could help identify issues in real time.
4. Integration and Centralisation: A centralised portal linking all departmental websites could streamline maintenance and ensure uniformity in updates.
5. Transparency and Accountability: Departments must be held accountable for lapses in their digital platforms, with penalties for non-compliance.
Public discontent is visible. “What’s the point of having websites if they don’t serve their purpose? We end up wasting time trying to access information that should be readily available,” said a college student from Beltola.
Another resident from Dispur said, “This is not the first time the government has shown such disregard for public convenience. They boast about digitisation but fail to deliver even the basics.”
The Assam government’s websites, rather than being tools for empowerment, have become symbols of inefficiency. As citizens demand better services and the state pushes for digitisation, the responsibility lies on the administration to bridge this gap.
The road to efficient e-governance in Assam may be long, but it begins with recognising the current failures and taking concrete steps to address them. Until then, the public will continue to face the challenges of navigating a digital ecosystem that is anything but user-friendly.
