The presentation was made by Prof. Subhash Bhatnagar.

The presentation began by Prof. Bhatnagar explaining the research objectives; extention of e-governmaent to mobile platforms as well as the strategic use of government services and applications which are only possible using cellular/mobile telephones, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and wireless internet infrastructure.

Why are we thinking about m-government for BOP? The cost of accessing goivernment services is higher due to locational restrictions. Assessments have been done on the cost; about Rs 200-300 to obtain a certification like ration card. If there is a mechanism to cut down this cost then that will be a strong reaon for us to think about m-government.

There are 2 roles mobile phones play; personal use to access m-gov services and as a substitute. THere is a growing penetration of mobile in the BOP. Data obtained from the T@BOP study by LIRNEasia.
The internet Kiosk penetration is low among the BOP, mobiles on the other hand have about 70% combined coverage. When considering Kiosk based versus mobile based delievery, growing penetration of mobiles , 45%, should make mobiles an important mode of delievery.

The plans and bandwidth is available for delievery through internet but work on the ground has not been done.

Prof. Bhatnagar went onto explain the types of m-gov services currently available in India. One instance is where a mobile phone is substituted for a fixed to access the services, mobile has the advantage of anythime, anywhere.

Another is the push down SMS from a central server to registered users who seek information. It should be emphasised that ‘M’ in m-government is a supplement to government services.

Anotheris a two-way interaction using an SMS service to enquire and receiving responses from a government.

Q) RS: Why just SMS and not voice? A) SB: An SMS is able to codify and send information correctly.

Another is when a mobile replace the internet access point as an acess point for delievering services.

Another is when the mobile acts are an intermediary, eg. health workers using mobiles for their work particularly in emergencies in rural areas.

Another is that the mobiles can work as a data capturing devise. This leads to it being a reporting device. Helps to capture live data from the field.

First 3 are happening in India on an extensive scale. and the last 2 on a limited scale.

Q) AZ: Can points 5-6 be Government to government and 1-4 Government to end user?

Prof. Bhatnagar gave a brief overview about the m-government initiatives in India. He also gave an example of the zero mass foundation where they insist on bank accounts in order to do transactions. This leads to more control over finances for those in the BOP.

It enables the government in disbursing pensions etc. The banks that take part in this service by appointing people work in the villages. They act as intermediaries between BOP and the bank. The intermediaries are provided with mobile devices and other necessary appliaces such as biometric devices to capture finger prints and mobiles enabled with cameras etc. The details captured are sent to a company (Who has provided the software and devices) central server via the mobiles and then onto the bank. The bank looks at the applications and the account is opened. This acts a safeguard against fraud.

The governments then pay the pensions to the accounts opened. The foundation has 6100 customers service points. The intermediaries appointed are from self-help groups to prevent embezzlement. This system has covered 9180 villages. The system has worked well. Previously the pensioners would loose about 20-40% of the pension to the Panchayat members (who previously were in-charge of collecting the pensions for the voillagers).

Q) RS: Why wouldnt the intermediary keep 10%? A) SB: The intermediary is considered a part of the community or society as those who have opened the accounts.

The service has reduced the cost of the villagers, and the government gains. The government is also able to reduce the amount of corruption, fraud and embezzlement as the government can eventually cease paying pensions to those who are not registered or those who do not have an account. The programme has scaled up significantly.

With regards to the Economic viability of the zero mass foundation, the cost per customer Service points per month is INR 3852. At the current rate commission of 1.75% the programme is not viable as the retension is only INR 2129.

A transaction fee need to charged but an argument may rise as to whether transaction costs should be charged from pensioners. However, they may not mind as they may already pay a larger amount in terms of bribes etc.

prof. Bhatnagar went onto explain the pros and cons of m-government. Cost would be low, mobile penetration is higher in comparison to internet penetration. The system can be operated with a lower level of traning and with eratic power supplies.

Loans services are not available with this service now, but is there a possible of getting micro-loans?

Prof. Bhatnagar then went on to talk about the role of mobiles in government service delivery. With regards to Bill/Tax payments and information exchange the mobiles are regarded as being convenient. The systems have to be developed further but the capacity is available. The same is true in the case of making disbursements as it more closer to the people. With regards to document issues, there is a need to send documents and upload documents. Therefore in case of document issue, the internet kiosk is more suitable.

The challenges of expanding m-government were then explained. M-goverment has not been commited to by the Indian government. The government is commited to the 100,000 internet kiosk as the way to get government services to people. Low levels of literacy is also an issue.

Q) RS: Why not IVR?  A) SB: Not used extensively, therefore not cosidered for pragmatic reasons.

Policy implications were considered as the conclusion.

M-Government is being implemented as a bottom up initiative without coordination and central direction.

Mobile enabled financial inclusion Programme can become the basic delievery mechanism for all government disbursements and bill/tax collections from BOP.

An appropriate incentive structure has to be in place for m-government to take off. A space has to be carved out for m’government within NeGP – India’s egovernment program.

Q) RS:
1) I think the e-gov, m-gov relationship is complementary, so it will be nice to have it in a conceptual manner,

2)  The government disbursement scheme will reduce fraud, corruption. A system is available in Australia. Also it will be worthwhile looking at cell broadcasting and USSD technologies.

3) We need to come up with an advocacy strategy for the paper