ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the overall policy environment which has been formulated and initiated in harmony with the strategic reform in e-Governance. Such a policy environment is comprised of a legal framework designed for e-Governance; developmental initiatives in terms of new projects, schemes and plans; planning documents with clear policy directions; governmental reports and recommendations with e-Governance as a core focus and so on. The basic standards of 'good governance' that e-Governance reform is expected to attain are efficiency, transparency, accountability, reliability, equitability, responsiveness, inclusiveness and reduced channels of corruption. Across all the policy documents the State recognizes the importance of non-State actors, such as the market and the civil society, in governance as well as the e-Governance reform agenda. The State plays the role of a facilitator and a leader whereas the non-State actors are treated as developmental partners. The e-Governance reform facilitates the process of democratic decentralization and makes citizen participation an inherent trait of public service mechanism.
