Discuss how data-driven governance can improve public service delivery in India.

Data-driven governance is about using data in a way to make policies, put them into action, and see how well they work. In India, data-driven governance can make a difference in how public services are delivered. It can help make these services more efficient, precise, and responsive to people’s needs. Data-driven governance is really important because it uses data to make sure that things get done properly.

The use of real-time data systems helps to deliver welfare to the people who really need it by identifying the beneficiaries and keeping an eye on scheme performance all the time.

Real-time data systems and predictive analytics can help governments anticipate problems, like when a disease is going to spread, when crops are going to fail, or when cities become overcrowded.

Governments can use real-time data systems to make evidence-based decisions, which is a good way to make policies because it means they do not have to guess or act only on what is popular.

This way of using real-time data systems helps to ensure that government decisions are better and that people who need help are actually getting it.

There is a serious problem of data privacy. People are worried that their personal information is not safe. There are also digital divides in internet access, which is a major concern.

The existing data governance framework is not strong enough. Different departments do not work well together in data sharing, which reduces effectiveness. Data privacy continues to remain an issue.

Therefore, data-driven governance must be anchored in robust legal safeguards, transparency, and citizen consent. When combined with institutional accountability and inclusive digital infrastructure, data can transform governance from reactive administration to proactive public service delivery.

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About the Author: Jyoti Verma