Discussion group on true e-Governance with focus on Transparency, Integrity, gender equity, women empowerment, Processes, Security, Accountability, empowerment of rural masses and Accessibility

Definition of e-governance:
"Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that empowers the Government, its citizens including the Government employees, weaker sections, women, people living in far flung and difficult areas and the business houses to transact businesses with government and its agencies online 24/7 "
With the announcement of National E-governance Action Plan (NEGAP), India had entered into the area of e-governance with a renewed vigour. The NEGAP has an estimated budget of INR 12500 crores. The World Bank had pledged $500 million for the NEGAP.
The definition given above for e-governance presupposes the existence of process driven automation system in Governments/ its agencies. Hence the group would focus on process automation based e-governance.
Open Source Software has great potential for the developing nations. OSS comes with freedom. This gives not only freedom but also flexibility. OSS comes with a huge cost saving advantage. The focus of the group would be to encourage OSS in e-governance in India. It would also be an endeavour of this group to focus on FOSS in education.
This group would also have alliances with like minded European groups.
This group would have the benefit of expert comments and contributions from Mr.C.Umashankar, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of TamilNadu cadre who had already taken a lead in building a true e-governance momentum in India. Mr.Umashankar was a member of the National e-governance Action Plan Committee.
Let us build a true e-governance momentum in India and other developing nations.