Getting a passport and driver’s license has indeed been simplified for the net savvy but it is not so simple for those who are not net and computer savvy.
Automation and electronic processing via the net are becoming ubiquitous. E-banking and E-commerce have gained wide acceptance in society, especially during the last two years when mobility was restricted due to the pandemic and periodic lockdowns. Many, especially the young, are trading in shares and investing through the net. Crypto trading is entirely on the net – even youngsters who are not so well-off are into it. Identification via Aadhar is via the net. The income tax return is being filed electronically. The government is promoting digitization in a big way. Businesses in India are following through and moving towards automation and digitization. But is society ready for it?
Getting a passport, a driving license, paying a fine for a traffic violation, etc. are now possible via the net. Some feel that this has reduced corruption. Theoretically, this should displace the middle man who is often a conduit for the bribe to be paid to the officialdom during public dealing. All this sounds great but has it simplified the life of the average citizen? Many educated Indians are still afraid of automation since they are unable to cope with it. It is an unknown and they fear making a mistake.
