Role of technology in administrative accountability
Role of Technology in Administrative Accountability
What is Administrative Accountability?
Administrative accountability refers to the obligation of government agencies and officials to be answerable for their actions, decisions, and use of public resources. It ensures that administrative actions comply with legal standards, ethical norms, and public expectations.
How Technology Enhances Administrative Accountability?
Transparency: Digital platforms enable easier access to information, allowing citizens to monitor government activities.
Efficiency: Automation and digitization reduce human errors and delays in administrative processes.
Tracking and Audit Trails: Technology allows detailed recording of administrative actions, making it easier to detect irregularities.
Public Participation: E-governance and online portals enable citizens to participate in decision-making and provide feedback.
Reduction in Corruption: Automated processes limit discretionary powers and reduce opportunities for corrupt practices.
Case Laws Illustrating Technology’s Role in Administrative Accountability
1. Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting vs. Cricket Association of Bengal (1995) – The Right to Information Case
Facts: The case focused on whether the citizen’s right to information should be recognized.
Ruling: The Supreme Court held that the right to information is implicit in the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
Technology’s Role: This judgment laid the groundwork for leveraging technology to enhance information access via digital means.
Significance: It propelled the adoption of technology-based transparency tools like online RTI portals, enabling greater administrative accountability.
2. PUCL vs. Union of India (1997) – Use of Technology in Electoral Rolls
Facts: The petition challenged errors and manipulations in electoral rolls.
Ruling: The Court mandated the use of technology (computerization) to improve accuracy and transparency in electoral processes.
Technology’s Role: Introduced the use of computerized electoral rolls, minimizing human errors and ensuring accountability in voter registration.
Significance: It marked a critical step towards using technology to improve electoral accountability and integrity.
3. Central Board of Secondary Education vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011) – Privacy and Online Data Handling
Facts: The petitioner challenged the CBSE’s refusal to disclose certain information under RTI, arguing it involved personal data.
Ruling: The Supreme Court recognized the importance of privacy and ruled that information involving personal data should be exempt but acknowledged the importance of transparency.
Technology’s Role: This case highlighted the need for responsible handling of digital information and balancing transparency with privacy in technology-driven administrative processes.
Significance: It underscored the necessity for technological safeguards in administrative accountability mechanisms.
4. Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India (2020) – Internet Shutdowns and Right to Information
Facts: The petitioner challenged restrictions on internet access in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that it affected freedom of speech and access to information.
Ruling: The Court held that internet access is essential for exercising the right to information and freedom of speech.
Technology’s Role: Recognized the internet as a critical tool for administrative transparency and accountability.
Significance: This judgment emphasized the need to maintain digital connectivity as part of the government’s accountability towards citizens.
5. Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India (2015) – Regulation of Online Content
Facts: The case challenged Section 66A of the IT Act, which criminalized offensive online speech.
Ruling: The Supreme Court struck down Section 66A as unconstitutional, emphasizing the importance of free speech online.
Technology’s Role: Highlighted how technology platforms must respect constitutional rights and how government regulation should ensure accountability without suppressing legitimate expression.
Significance: It clarified the balance between administrative control and citizens' rights in the digital space, reinforcing accountability in digital governance.
Summary
Technology serves as a powerful tool in enhancing administrative accountability by improving transparency, facilitating public participation, and enabling efficient monitoring of government actions. The case laws above illustrate:
The constitutional recognition of the right to information and transparency.
The use of technology to eliminate errors and manipulation in public records.
The importance of protecting privacy in the digital age.
The critical role of internet access for freedom of information.
The balancing act between regulation and rights in digital governance.
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