MyGov[1] (Hindustani: Merī Sarkār) is a citizen engagement platform[2] launched by the Government of India on 26 July 2014 to promote the active participation of Indian citizens in their country's governance and development.[3] It is aimed at creating a common platform for Indian citizens to "crowdsource governance ideas from citizens".[4] Its users discuss and contribute to various government projects and plans.[5] It also allows users to upload documents in various formats. The website is hosted and managed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).[6]Prime MinisterNarendra Modi stated that the aim was to reduce the long gap developed between the electorate and the Executive after being elected.[7][8]
In the first week of August 2014, MyGov received 100,000 registered users, barely two weeks after its initiation.[9]Google became the first multinational firm to collaborate with MyGov.[10] Shortly before his first address to the nation through All India Radio, it was announced that ideas and questions for the Prime Minister submitted to MyGov may be responded to in subsequent radio addresses.[11]
The website also has an associated mobile app.[12]
Reception
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2nd anniversary celebrations of MyGov, in New Delhi on 6 August 2016
As of the first week of September 2014, within 45 days of its launch, as many as 215,000 users were enrolled at MyGov and more than 28,000 users submitted their ideas on a variety of issues. The format of the Prime Minister's online Independence Day message was extracted from suggestions submitted to MyGov.[13] The platform has attracted many users who were not previously engaged in other social media such as Facebook and Twitter.[14] Within 50 days of its inception, more than 23,000 entries were received for seven different government ministries in addition to the Prime Minister's Office through the 'Creative Corner' section alone.
There are various pre-defined groups to which users can selectively subscribe to. The objective of each group is to bring positive changes to the relevant area with people's participation.[15] In each group, users are provided with two domains, 'Do' and 'Discuss'. The 'Do' section includes both online and on-ground tasks to which contributors may assign themselves. The 'discuss' section may be used for discussing different relevant issues affecting the nation. It may also be used for providing vital information regarding the topic and also suggest and propose new ideas. The users are awarded activity points based upon their individual contributions. Users may also volunteer and submit their own entries. These are reviewed by other members, evaluated by experts and approved subsequently. Approved tasks earn credit points.
MyGov also serves as a digital library of topics regarding India.[16]
Open Forum
The Open Forum is for discussion of issues of national importance. It spans across various groups and every registered member of MyGov is eligible for participation. Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana and the new institution[17] which is going to replace the existing Planning Commission of India were the first topics discussed here.
Mann Ki Baat
MyGov is one of the platforms through which citizens can submit input for the monthly Program of the PM called Mann ki Baat broadcast over the radio. Citizens can submit input on the MyGov forum or on the Toll Free Number 1800-11-7800 once the line is opened.[18]
Creative Corner
The Creative Corner gives users a platform to showcase their innovative zeal and enables them to "leave an imprint on India’s history". This corner allows citizens to creatively engage with various Government departments. From time to time, Ministries will need creative inputs on the creativity related aspects of their initiatives. The tasks may vary from proposing a design for a mobile application to providing a draft banner/logo as well to suggesting a creative punch line for an initiative. The scope is "extensive" according to the official site, but the end result is "extremely satisfying".
MyGov 2.0
The government's crowdsourcing platform MyGov.in launched its version 2.0,[19] with newer features such as hashtags, polls, interactive discussion forums and social media account integration. The impact assessment of this citizen engagement platform was done by Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi.
^The Hindu (27 July 2014). "PM launches engagement platform". Mr. Modi pointed out there was a widespread belief in the country that after a government is elected, a gap develops between the people and the executive. Kasturi and Sons Limited. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
^Voice Data. "1 lakh civilians befriend 'MyGov'". We have had over 1,00,000 contributions (at MyGov). Several thousands of hours have been contributed by common people to participate in it. No. 7 August 2014. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
^Srivastava, Moulishree (22 September 2014). "Google to launch contest for Narendra Modi PMO app". Google will run a series of initiatives, which include collaboration with the government’s new citizen engagement platform, MyGov.nic.in. Hindustan Times Media. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
^One India News (26 July 2014). "MyGov will contribute towards good governance". It is also an initiative to build a digital knowledge library. We will guide the people on the topics of national importance on which the Government would like to know their views and ideas. No. 26 July 2014. One India News. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
^The Hindu. "Modi invites ideas on new body to replace plan panel". A special Open Forum has been created on my government website for suggestions on the new institution. No. 20 August 2014. The Hindu. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
^"Mann Ki Baat". MyGov.in. 14 April 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
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