Role of DESC (District e-Service Centre) in Promoting e-Governance in Bangladesh: A Case Study of Netrokona District e-Service Centre

The core objective of e-governance is to provide services to people in a less time consuming, easily accessible and corruption free process using internet based platforms. Considering its positive aspects, the government of Bangladesh is trying to assure best possible use of modern technologies in rendering government services to the people which also resembles their commitment in upgrading the country as a digital one. Establishment of District e-Service Centers (DESCs) across the country is among the major steps towards promoting e-governance. The DESCs of Bangladesh are using modern information technology for service delivery and information dissemination. Introduction of an e-service center in Netrokona made some government services easily accessible and cost effective for the recipients in addition to that, the system reduced discrepancies and assured more accountability in service delivery process. Lack of updated data base for service recipients, lack of proper tracking system and lack of feedback receiving option are some of the major limitations existing at current DESCs. Moreover, some services like bill payment, telemedicine, e-education, etc. were expected to be there but not available at the moment. Interruption in power supply, poor coverage of internet, insufficient manpower and equipments and poor literacy on information technology are some of the major challenges faced by DESC of Netrokona. Initiatives to fulfill the lacking and assistance to overcome the challenges are need of time for a more effective district e-service center. Continuous research by service providers and academicians are necessary for better e-service delivery.