Understanding Local Governance

Overview

The Local Governance stack is a set of open APIs, services, and reference implementations, set up as a public good, to allow government entities, businesses, startups, and civil society to use a unique digital infrastructure and build solutions for urban India at a large scale. It provides a set of open standards, specifications and documentation to create a level playing field and enable ecosystem players to innovate on the stack. As a public good, the solutions are available to all members of society without profits or restrictions.

Goals

The urban mission offers digital governance solutions that encapsulate the core platform principles. The apps provide

• Secure & reliable governance tools

• Simple reusable modules for effective integration

• Scalable & standardized solutions

• Open APIs to promote interoperability

• Multiple channel support

• Configurable building blocks that support customization at each stage

Approach

The local governance focuses on inclusion and is designed to enhance both platform openness and choice for citizens. The platform uses open APIs and standards, creating a powerful framework to drive convergence across the multiple systems currently in use and to lower the barrier to entry for locally developed solutions.

Keeping in mind that most Indians use the internet through their phones, we follow and advocate a “mobile-first” approach, while supporting multi-channel access to accommodate diverse needs and preferences.

• Open Source - The local governance stack is open source and has been built using the best-in-class open-source technology stacks powering the most advanced companies in the world. The solution can provide the lowest total cost of ownership and helps ensure that governments retain strategic control of their systems and data.

• Mobile-Enabled - The local governance solution design follows a mobile-first approach, with robust mobile applications enabling citizens to access government services through their phones easily. Government officials and field workers are also empowered with mobile applications that enable them to deliver 24×7 governance with ease.

• Real-time Dashboards - The real-time dashboards provide governments with actionable insights on demand. Administrators and department heads are empowered with verified data that enables them to manage their work and budgets better. Field-level employee reports enable effective performance management and ensure efficient usage of government resources.