A Probe Into E-Government Services In Rural Bangladesh: The Case Of Union Digital Centers (Udcs)

Abstract

One stated and repeatedly emphasized goal and commitment of the government is to
decentralize public service delivery through the provision of ICT based e-services in rural
areas of Bangladesh under the auspices of the Union Digital Centers (UDC). In this context,
this study delves into the role and performance of UDC in light of selected variables and
associated indicators - such as Impact on citizens’ behavioral pattern, Infrastructure &
Logistics in UDC, Efficient Service Delivery in UDC, Reduction of Corruption, and
Satisfaction level of Entrepreneurs. A qualitative research approach was deployed for the
purpose of investigating into the research objective. The research tools included Review of
secondary literature, Sample survey administered through a semi-structured questionnaire,
a purposely designed Assessment scale and Personal observation. One core finding of the
study reveals and corroborates that the government’s commitment for initiating widespread
digital development has so far been reasonably well received and materialized in the study
areas through the UDC operations, and remained consistent with the approved ICT policies.
The study has identified the key challenges (such as the inadequacy of infrastructural and
logistics support and backstopping) that thwart the process of maximizing the development
potential of UDC. The evidence also suggests that the Public Private Partnership model is
yet work in full swing, and the current level of income generation of the entrepreneurs is not
satisfactory. The article furnishes some policy and functional recommendations, and
concludes with an exhortation for further research on this interesting area of study.