Exploring the Future of Blockchain Technology in Public Services: A Focus on India

Pratibha Sharma

Affiliations:

Research Scholar, Department of Political Science & Public Administration, Banasthali Vidyapith, Tonk, Rajsthan, INDIA

Blockchain is an emerging technology in the era of the 4^th Industrial Revolution and has the potential to revolutionise the framework of social, political, economic, and administrative governance. Blockchain technology started its career in the financial sector and gradually expanded its progress in public services. The article analyses the potential use of blockchain technology in various sectors such as voting, land management, identity credentials, issuing licenses, data management, maintaining personal records, supply chain management, asset tracking, financial services, etc. The study highlights how blockchain technology will help the government to ensure transparent, accountable, responsive, and efficient administration. It will also enhance the role of bureaucrats while integrating data, policy-making, and policy evaluation and reduce the effect of red tape, simultaneously improving coordination between different departments. The article covers the initiatives taken by the Indian government to promote blockchain technology in enhancing public services. Though India aspires to a $30 trillion economy and aims for Viksit Bharat by 2047, the potential use of blockchain technology can be a game changer. The article is based on qualitative methods and data analyses from books, articles, and journals. It will give a brief overview of blockchain technology and its use in government services, as well as cover the best initiatives taken by other countries to implement blockchain technology in public services. The article concludes by identifying various limitations in implementing blockchain technology, and issues of privacy and data theft have been considered. However, the overall analysis shows huge potential in blockchain technology, which can transform the public administration and its e-government services by fostering smart and good governance.

Keywords:
Blockchain technology, Distributed Ledger Technology, e-government, good governance

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