Daulat Ram College

University Of Delhi

Value Addition Course

Digital Empowerment
Semester IV
TOPIC: Digital Empowerment and Governance (Legal Services)

GROUP MEMBERS
1. Rinkal (B.A Hons – Philosophy)
2. Anjali Gahlot (B.A Hons – Philosophy)
3. Khushi) Solanki (B.A Hons – History)
4. Isha Tomar
5. Diya (B.A Hons – Economics)
 DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT

 Digital Empowerment begins with access to the advanced world. It remembers the capacity
to unhesitatingly take an interest for the Digital World, and arrives at its ideal objective
when residents can deliberately, proactively, and innovatively utilize the current information,
just as expand on it.
 Strengthening is unique in relation to incorporation. Consideration is restricted to giving
resident access to gadgets and systems that can empower her to get the data and
administrations fundamental and fitting for her. Strengthening, then again, has a basic
component of the organization; without this, a resident can’t be called carefully enabled.
 Inside this structure, rather than a hapless and weak resident walking the workplaces of the
state, we presently locate a hapless and ignorant resident going up against a big-hearted
specialist organization that has planned a framework to suit their motivation. Since it isn’t
intended for the resident, she can’t be considered carefully enabled and Digital
Empowerment is basic in an information society and economy.
 DIGITAL INCLUSION AND DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT

 Digital inclusion refers to ensuring that all individuals and communities

have access to and can effectively use digital technologies. It involves
providing equal opportunities for people to access and benefit from
digital resources, such as the internet, computers, and other digital
devices. Digital inclusion aims to bridge the digital divide and eliminate
barriers that prevent certain groups or individuals from participating fully
in the digital world Digital empowerment, on the other hand, goes
beyond access and focuses on equipping individuals with the necessary
skills, knowledge, and confidence to effectively use digital technologies.

Digital inclusion and digital empowerment are closely related and often
go hand in hand. Access to digital technologies is essential for digital
empowerment, as it lays the foundation for individuals to acquire digital
skills and engage with digital resources. Conversely, digital
empowerment helps ensure that digital inclusion efforts are sustainable
and meaningful by enabling individuals to fully participate and benefit
from the digital ecosystem.
Digital empowerment requires addressing several key needs to effectively enable individuals to navigate and
benefit from digital technologies. These needs include:

 Access to digital infrastructure

 Education and training
 Digital confidence and motivation
 Content relevance and diversity: Ensuring that digital content is relevant, inclusive, and representative of diverse perspectives is essential for digital
empowerment.
 Collaboration and community engagement: Collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, educational
institutions, and the private sector, is crucial for digital empowerment.
 Policy and regulatory framework: A supportive policy and regulatory environment is essential for digital empowerment.

 Digital Transformation Process: 6 Factors That Can Empower Your Transformation Strategy
1. Promote a Digital Mindset.
2. Get the right leaders in place.
3. Combine new Technologies with Experience and Talent.
4. Digitise Long-term Systems.
5. Combine Traditional and Digital Communication.
6. Maximise Investment Value.
 E-GOVERNANCE
E-governance, meaning 'electronic governance' is using information and communication technologies
at various levels of the government and the public sector and beyond, for the purpose of enhancing
governance.
National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) was formulated in 2006 by the Department of Administrative
Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
(ME&IT), and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.
“Make all Government services accessible to the common man in his locality, through common
service delivery outlets, and ensure efficiency, transparency, and reliability of such services at
affordable costs to realise the basic needs of the common man”

PILLARS OF E-GOVERNANCE
People, Process, Technology, and Resources are the four prominent pillars of e-governance. Good
governance ensures that all the people can reap the benefits of economic growth. One of the significant
steps that the Government took in this regard is to educate the public regarding e-governance
initiatives.

TYPES OF INTERACTION IN E-GOVERNANCE

There are the following four types of interactions in e-governance.
1. G2G– (Government to Government)
2. G2C– (Government to Citizen)
3. G2B– (Government to Business)
4. G2E– (Government to Employees)
 DIGITAL INDIA PROGRAMME
Government of India has started Digital India Programme under e-governance initiative to achieve
this milestone. This programme was started by the Department of Electronics and Information
Technology. The program aimed at empowering the country by making it digitally developed. The
program was implemented in different phases till 2018. The impact of the agenda is that overall
12,000 rural post offices have been linked electronically. This is an umbrella programme to prepare
the country for a digitally empowered and acknowledge based transformation.
The focus of Digital India Programme is to realize IT (Indian Talent) + IT (Information Technology) =
IT (India Tomorrow)

Vision Of Digital India:-

The vision is centred on three key areas:
1. Digital infrastructure as a utility to every citizen
2. Governance and Services on Demand
3. Digital Empowerment of Citizens

Pillars of Digital India:

4. Broadband Highways.
5. Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity.
6. Public Internet Access Programme.
7. e-Governance: Reforming Government through Technology.
8. e-Kranti - Electronic Delivery of Services.6. Information for All.
9. Electronics Manufacturing.8. IT for Jobs9. Early Harvest Program
The digital India Week was launched on 1 July 2015.
 INITIATIVES TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT
Digital India E-Courts National Judicial
Programme Project Data Grid

1 2 3

Steps Towards
Digital Empowerment

4 5 6

E-Services By Online Dispute Legislation and

SLSA’s Resolution Policy Framework
 DIGITAL INDIA
PROGRAMME
Launched in 2015, the Digital India Programme
aims to transform India into a digitally empowered
society and knowledge economy. Under this
initiative, various projects and schemes have been
introduced to promote digital literacy and access to
digital services, including legal services.
E-COURTS PROJECT
The e-Courts Mission Mode Project is aimed at
computerizing district and subordinate courts
across the country to improve efficiency,
transparency, and accessibility of the judicial
system. The project enables litigants to access case
information, file cases online, and track case status
digitally.
NATIONAL JUDICIAL
DATA GRID
The NJDG is an initiative to digitize and centralize
case-related information from district and
subordinate courts. It provides access to real-time
data on pending cases, disposed cases, and judicial
performance, thereby enhancing transparency and
accountability in the judicial system.

E-SERVICES BY SLSA’S
Many State Legal Services Authorities have
launched e-services to provide legal aid and
assistance to citizens through digital platforms.
These services include online legal advice,
filing complaints, and accessing information
about legal rights and entitlements.
ONLINE DISPUTE
RESOLUTION
The government has been promoting the use of
online dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve
disputes efficiently and cost-effectively. Several
platforms and initiatives have been launched to
facilitate online mediation, arbitration, and
negotiation, making legal processes more
accessible to citizens.
LEGISLATION AND
POLICY FRAMEWORK
The government has introduced various legislation
and policy frameworks to support digital
empowerment in the legal sphere. For example, the
introduction of the Information Technology Act,
2000, and subsequent amendments have facilitated
the use of electronic records and digital signatures
in legal proceedings.
DIGITAL PLATFORMS FOR LEGAL SERVICES

5
4
3
2
1 NCLT
OCMC
Tele OLIST
Law
NALSA Programme
Portal

NALSA (National Legal Services
Authority) Portal
NALSA, an autonomous body established by the
Government of India, has developed a digital portal
to provide legal aid and assistance to marginalized
and underprivileged sections of society. The portal
offers information about legal rights, entitlements,
and schemes, and enables individuals to access legal
aid services and resources.
Tele-Law Programme
The Tele-Law Programme, launched by the
Ministry of Law and Justice in collaboration with
the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology, aims to provide legal assistance to
citizens in rural and remote areas through
telecommunication and digital technologies. The
programme connects individuals with lawyers via
video conferencing and telecommunication
facilities, thereby improving access to legal
services in underserved areas.
OLIST (Online Legal
Information System For
Tribunals)
OLIST is an online platform developed by the
Ministry of Law and Justice to provide access to
legal information and case law from various
tribunals in India. The platform offers a repository
of judgments, orders, and legal documents from
different tribunals, enhancing transparency and
accessibility in the adjudicatory process.
 Online Consumer Mediation
Centre- OCMC
 The Online Consumer Mediation Centre is
an initiative by the Ministry of Consumer
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to
facilitate online mediation and resolution of
consumer disputes. The platform enables
consumers and businesses to resolve disputes
through mediation conducted by certified
mediators.
NCLT – National Company Law
Tribunal
 The National Company Law Tribunal
provides e-Court services for the electronic
filing of cases, case management, and online
access to case status and judgments. The
platform facilitates digital interactions
between litigants, lawyers, and the tribunal,
improving the efficiency of corporate dispute
resolution processes.
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LEGAL SERVICES IN
INDIA

JUSTICE AND EQUALITY E COURTS LEGAL TECH STARTUPS

INITIATIVES’
 JUSTICE AND EQUALITY INITIATIVES

 Organisations like National Legal Services Authority

(NALSA) have launched digital platforms to provide
legal aid and services to marginalised sections of
society.
 The Bar Council of India has also recognised the
importance of legal technology and has introduced
the rules and guidelines to govern the use of
technology in legal profession. This includes the use
of virtual hearings and acceptance of digital
signatures.
 E-COURTS
 The Indian government has taken significant steps
in the direction of digital justice with the
establishment and development of e-courts.
 These electronic courts aim to digitise court
processes, automate case management and provide
online access to case information.
 The e- courts initiative has made progress but it still
faces challenges in terms of funding, internet
connectivity etc.
 LEGAL TECH STARTUPS

 India has seen a surge in legal tech startups

that offer services ranging from legal
research and document automation to online
dispute resolution platforms.
 These startups play a vital role in pushing the
boundaries of legal technology in the country
and making digital justice progress further.
 WHY DO CITIZENS VALUE E-GOVERNANCE
? WHY DIGITAL INDIA

 Since the launching of the Digital India programme in the year 2015, both central and state
governments have illuminated the process of digitization of records as well as infrastructure for
profitability of each and every citizen.
 Tech oriented partners (global level), government and citizens, have unblemished stature gauging
in the domains of E-Visa, Biometric and attestation.
 E- governance acts as a means for efficiency. E-governance tends to act as a means where there is
efficient service delivery in order to achieve the concept of good governance with accountability
and transparency.
 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL
EMPOWERMENT IN GOVERNANACE AND LEGAL SPHERE
 ADVANTAGES
 Accessibility: Digital empowerment makes legal information and services more accessible to
the general public. Citizens can access legal resources, documents, and information online
without the need to physically visit government offices or libraries.

 Efficiency: Digitalization streamlines legal processes, reducing paperwork and manual

intervention. This leads to faster resolution of legal matters, including filing cases, accessing
court records, and receiving judgments.

 Transparency: Digital platforms promote transparency in the legal system by providing easy
access to court rulings, case statuses, and legal documents. This enhances accountability and
reduces the likelihood of corruption or manipulation of legal proceedings.
 DISADVANTAGES
 Digital Divide: Despite efforts to increase internet penetration, a significant portion of the Indian
population still lacks access to digital technologies. This creates a digital divide, where marginalized
communities may be excluded from accessing legal information and services online.

 Cybersecurity Risks: Digital platforms are susceptible to cybersecurity threats such as hacking, data
breaches, and identity theft. Protecting sensitive legal information from unauthorized access and
manipulation requires robust cybersecurity measures, which may be challenging to implement
effectively.

 Technical Challenges: Digital empowerment in the legal sphere requires reliable internet infrastructure
and technical expertise. In India, where internet connectivity and IT literacy levels vary widely across
regions, implementing and maintaining digital legal platforms can be technically challenging.
 PROBLEMS FACED BY GOVERNMENT REGARDING THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL INITIATIVES IN LEGAL SPHERES

 Infrastructure Challenges: Despite significant improvements in recent years, India still faces infrastructural challenges,
especially in rural and remote areas. Limited internet connectivity, inadequate power supply, and outdated technology
infrastructure hinder the effective implementation of digital initiatives.

 Digital Divide: The digital divide remains a significant issue in India, with disparities in access to digital technologies
between urban and rural areas, as well as among different socio-economic groups. Government initiatives often struggle
to reach marginalized communities, exacerbating existing inequalities in access to legal information and services.

 Cybersecurity Concerns: India faces growing cybersecurity threats, including hacking, data breaches, and cyber-attacks.
Ensuring the security of digital platforms and protecting sensitive legal information from unauthorized access and
manipulation is a major challenge for the government.

 Capacity Building: Implementing digital initiatives requires skilled manpower capable of developing, maintaining, and
securing digital platforms. However, there is often a lack of adequate training and capacity building among government
officials and stakeholders, hindering the effective implementation and management of digital initiatives.
 ISSUES ON THE PART OF GOVERNANCE
 Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: The legal and regulatory frameworks governing digital initiatives in
India may be outdated or insufficiently developed to address emerging challenges. Clarifying laws related
to data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, and electronic transactions is essential to provide a robust legal
framework for digital initiatives.

 Resistance to Change: Implementing digital initiatives often requires significant changes in organizational
processes, workflows, and mindset. Resistance to change among government officials, stakeholders, and
the general public can pose obstacles to the successful implementation of digital initiatives.

 Funding and Sustainability: Securing adequate funding and ensuring the long-term sustainability of
digital initiatives are key challenges for the Indian government. Many digital projects face budgetary
constraints, and sustainability beyond the initial implementation phase remains a concern.
 CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL
EMPOWERMENT IN GOVERNANCE
AND LEGAL SERVICES…
NAVIGATING IN THE COMPLEXITIES OF DIGITAL ERA
 DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT OVERVIEW
 Definition of Digital Empowerment.-
The process of using digital technologies to enhance access to
information, resources, and opportunities.

 Importance of Digital Empowerment.

Enables broader participation in governance and legal processes.
Facilitates access to justice and legal services for marginalised
communities.

 Challenges of Digital Empowerment.

Limited access to technology and internet connectivity.
Digital literacy gaps among different demographic groups.
Privacy and security concerns regarding data protection.
 CHALLENGES IN GOVERNANCE
 Digital Divide.
Unequal access to digital resources exacerbates disparities in public participation
and access to government services.

 Data Privacy and Security.

Risks of data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive government
information.

 Technological infrastructure.
Inadequate technological infrastructure impedes the implementation of digital
governance initiatives.

 Digital literacy.
Limited digital literacy among citizens hinders effective engagement with
government platforms and services.
 CHALLENGES IN LEGAL SERVICES
 Access to justice.
Limited access to legal information and services, particularly in underserved
communities.

 LegalTech Adoption.
Resistance to adopting LegalTech solutions due to regulatory constraints and
traditional practices.

 Data Protection and Confidentiality.

Challenges in ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of legal information in
digital environments.

 Equity and Inclusion.

Digital barriers exacerbate existing disparities in accessing legal aid
and representation.
 ADDRESSING CHALLENEGS IN DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT

 Collaborative efforts needed.

Governments, institutions, and technology stakeholders must
collaborate to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital
literacy.

 Importance of Digital Infrastructure.

Investing in robust digital infrastructure is crucial for the
successful implementation of e-governance and legal aid
initiatives.

 Balancing Advantages and Disadvantages.

While digitalisation offers numerous advantages, it also
brings challenges such as data privacy comcerns and
digital exclusion.
 FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
 Enhancing Digital Inclusion.
Implement policies and programs to ensure equitable access to digital resources and
opportunities.

 Strengthening Data Protection.

Enact robust data protection laws and regula to safeguard privacy and security in digital
environments.

 Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation.

Regularly assess the impact of digital initiatives and adapt strategies to address emerging
challenges and opportunities.

 Empowering Citizens.
Promote digital literacy and empower citizens to effectively navigate digital platforms for
governance and legal services.

 Building Resilient Digital Ecosystems.

Foster collaboration between governments, legal institutions, and technology providers to build
resilient digital ecosystems that serve the needs of all stakeholders.
 SURVEY REPORT: DIGITAL
EMPOWERMENT IN E-GOVERNANCE
Form Link : https://forms.gle/fMS6ZaPW8RpgRLN66
 CONCLUSION
 The journey towards digital empowerment in legal services heralds a transformative era for
India's legal landscape. By harnessing the potential of digital platforms, we are not only
bridging the gap between legal professionals and clients but also democratizing access to
justice. As we embrace technological innovations, we pave the way for a more efficient,
transparent, and inclusive legal system. The collaborative efforts of legal practitioners,
policymakers, and technology experts are key in realizing this vision. Let us continue to
champion digital empowerment, ensuring that every individual in India can exercise their rights
and access legal assistance with ease, regardless of geographical constraints or socioeconomic
status.
THANK YOU