This refers to the editorial, "An impressive show" (September 28), no one can dispute the need to digitally enable people. It is also beyond doubt that the more the government's functioning gets digitised, the more transparent and efficient it can be. But the operative term here is "can be". Digitisation, by itself, is not a sufficient condition for it - it is merely a powerful enabler of a smooth and efficient interface between the government and the public. However, what must not be lost sight of is the need for a complete review and even a revamp of the laws, rules, regulations and processes that fundamentally define governance. Unless that is mended, digitisation will simply be akin to computerisation of a bad system, amounting to replicating a bad system more efficiently. On another track, the enthusiastic response to India's digitalisation initiative from the Silicon Valley biggies is only to be expected because it does offer a big business opportunity to them. But the actual benefits of the project - by way of improved governance - are for us to ensure.
Kishor Kulkarni Mumbai
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