Role of technology in governance and development: The case of e-Uparjan in Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

This study explored the interlinkages between the attributes of technology, governance and development. The e-Uparjan is a case of digital inclusion and synchronisation of activities of stakeholders like farmers, designate procurement agencies, technology providers, financial institutions and state administrative agencies. A single case study approach is adopted to understand the technology-enabled procurement system at the micro-level. Field observations expanded the scope of understanding of the context and potential implications of the procurement system to associated stakeholders. The study conjectures that faster and real-time information flow along with the decision nodes can plug in fund leakage, reduce transaction costs and mitigate rent-seeking behaviour of actors along the value chain. It is proposed that the improvisation with a low-cost information and communication technology (ICT) can have potential to streamline procurement operations and secure farmers’ pay-off in a time-bound manner through direct benefit transfer under the price support scheme. The e-Uparjan appears to have improved operational efficiency of collection, warehousing and optimising transportation network for food grains procurement and distribution. The e-Uparjan offers fresh insights on social policy making as network processes that requires an adequate understanding of social realities, seamless synchronisation of involved stakeholders and aspects of public procurement policies.