Technology and the 'Right to Service' in India: Getting Reddy'd

Right to Service and Good Governance: Perception, Perspective and Promotion (Gurmanpreet Kaur & Geetika Walia, eds., 2016, Forthcoming

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Research Paper No. 2015-38

15 Pages Posted: 26 Aug 2015 Last revised: 12 Sep 2015

See all articles by Jennifer Ann Drobac

Jennifer Ann Drobac

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

Oliver R. Goodenough

Vermont Law School

Date Written: August 18, 2015

Abstract

Government bureaucracies are notorious worldwide as sources of “red tape” and delay. Even in countries with a relatively responsive government structure, speed of service can be a source of concern. Over the past few years civil service gridlock in U.S. and Indian states has become politically untenable. Indian politicians have promulgated initiatives to make government in India, both at the federal and state levels, more responsive to the needs of its people. As part of this movement, many of the Indian states have adopted “Right to Service” legislation. While moral, statutory, and even constitutional responses for amelioration deserve consideration, this Essay endorses technology as a potential solution for the frustrating and even crippling inefficiencies of government services systems. In assessing the potential of technology, we draw on the experience of our home country, the U.S. This experience provides examples of success and failure in the government use of technology to facilitate its interactions with its citizens. Even simple technological innovations can improve access to services. India might consider technology as a catalyst for change.

Keywords: Right to Service legislation, technology, India, U.S.

Suggested Citation

Drobac, Jennifer Ann and Goodenough, Oliver R., Technology and the 'Right to Service' in India: Getting Reddy'd (August 18, 2015). Right to Service and Good Governance: Perception, Perspective and Promotion (Gurmanpreet Kaur & Geetika Walia, eds., 2016, Forthcoming, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Research Paper No. 2015-38, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2647602

Jennifer Ann Drobac (Contact Author)

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law ( email )

530 West New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
United States
317-278-4777 (Phone)
317-278-7563 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.indylaw.indiana.edu/people/profile.cfm?EmpNum=41

Oliver R. Goodenough

Vermont Law School ( email )

164 Chelsea Street
P.O. Box 96
South Royalton, VT 05068
United States
802 831 1231 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.vermontlaw.edu/Our_Faculty/Faculty_Directory/Oliver_R_Goodenough.htm

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