E-Readiness 

"E-readiness" refers to the level of preparedness or readiness of individuals, organizations, communities, or even entire nations to effectively use information and communication technologies (ICTs) for various purposes, such as communication, education, business, and governance. 

Requirements for E-readiness:

• Access to Infrastructure: This includes access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity, as well as access to devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. E-readiness depends on the availability of broadband internet infrastructure, mobile networks, and access points in both urban and rural areas.
• Digital Literacy and Skills: E-readiness requires individuals to have the necessary digital literacy skills to navigate online platforms, use digital tools and applications, critically evaluate online information, and protect themselves from online threats such as cybercrime and misinformation. Digital literacy programs and educational initiatives play a crucial role in enhancing e-readiness at the individual level.
• Government Policies and Regulations: E-readiness is influenced by government policies and regulations related to ICTs, including policies on internet access, digital rights, data privacy, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. Enabling policies that promote competition, innovation, investment in ICT infrastructure, and digital inclusion can enhance e-readiness at the national level.
• Economic and Social Factors: Economic factors, such as income levels, affordability of ICT devices and services, and the availability of digital payment systems, can influence e-readiness by determining access to ICT resources. Social factors, such as cultural attitudes towards technology, social norms, and demographic characteristics, also play a role in shaping e-readiness levels within communities.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, private sector organizations, civil society groups, and international organizations, is essential for improving e-readiness. Public-private partnerships, multi-stakeholder initiatives, and international cooperation can help address gaps in ICT infrastructure, digital skills, and policy frameworks.

Evolutionary Stages in E–Governance 

• E-governance evolves gradually from the simplest levels to advanced levels and the evolution may not be same in all cases.  
• Stage1: Use of e-mail and setting up of internal networking 
• Stage2: Use of internet by connecting internal activities to internet 
• Stage3: Allowing public access to information 
• Stage 4: Allowing two way interactive communication with stakeholders to enable internet enabled transactions (including financial transactions) 
• Stage 5: Allowing online transactions by citizens 
• Stage 6: Enriching digital democracy 
• Stage 7: Electronically integrated or joined up government with legislative and judiciary 

Steps to e-Government readiness 

• There are ten step process to e-government readiness that can act as a guide for improving the score of e-government readiness.
• Step 1: Emphasize the e-government vision and strategy. Prepare a five-year perspective plan 
• Step 2: Review the Telecommunication policy, to promote an open, competitive environment for creation of national and sub-national networks. 
• Step 3: Prepare a list of G2c and G2B services that citizens and businesses need to be provided electronically. Prioritize the services. Announce a policy on electronic services delivery. 
• Step 4: Design Functional and Technology Architectures and Prescribe standards for security. 
• Step 5: Initiate statewide e-government projects adopting the pilot approach. 
• Step 6: Design and implement an appropriate CIO(Chief Information Officer) program. Implement change management programs across all major government agencies. 
• Step 7:  Ensure that all government agencies provide 2-5% of their budget to e-government. 
• Step 8: Establish a government-wide WAN for data, voice and video for G2G applications. 
• Step 9: Enact a cyber law that gives a legal validity to all electronic transactions and records and permits use of digital signatures for authenticating messages and documents. 
• Step 10: Establish data centers for e- government using the PPP model. Design and establish an e-government gateway at the Static Data Centre.