Section Article

Beyond Welfare: Examining the Transformation of Social Citizenship through Digital Governance in India
Author(s): Dr. Myra

Abstract
Digital governance has transformed the relationship between citizens and the welfare state in contemporary India. Public services that once depended heavily on physical offices paperwork and intermediaries are increasingly delivered through digital identity online platforms direct benefit transfers mobile applications and digital public infrastructure. This transformation promises greater efficiency transparency accessibility and administrative accountability yet it also raises important questions about social citizenship and equality. This study examines how digital governance is reshaping social citizenship in India by analysing access to welfare institutional participation administrative autonomy and the distribution of digital capabilities. Drawing on secondary data from government reports policy documents and scholarly literature the study argues that digitalisation can strengthen citizenship by reducing transaction costs and expanding service access while simultaneously creating new forms of exclusion for citizens facing technological economic linguistic institutional and social barriers. The paper proposes an inclusive rights-based approach to digital welfare governance.