Section Article

Digital Governance and Its Influence on Citizen Trust
Author(s): Dr. Ravi Chokshi

Abstract
Digital governance has emerged as a transformative mechanism for redefining state–citizen interaction in contemporary administrative systems particularly in developing nations such as India where large demographic diversity administrative complexity and governance challenges necessitate the adoption of innovative digital frameworks to enhance transparency efficiency accountability and trust. The rapid expansion of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence blockchain cloud computing biometrics digital public infrastructure Aadhaar-enabled authentication systems digital payments public grievance portals online citizen service platforms and real-time monitoring dashboards has altered how public services are delivered and how governance institutions engage with citizens. In this context citizen trust is fundamentally shaped by the perceived performance of digital public systems reliability of information dissemination responsiveness of state agencies protection of personal data the degree of transparency in decision-making and the extent to which digital platforms ensure inclusiveness and equitable access. In recent years India’s digital governance ecosystem exemplified by platforms such as Aadhaar MyGov DigiLocker UMANG CoWIN e-Courts BHIM-UPI Digital India initiatives and state-level service delivery models has played an essential role in strengthening administrative capacity and fostering citizen trust. Yet concerns regarding algorithmic opacity cyber security digital divide privacy risks misinformation unequal access to digital literacy and inconsistent service quality continue to influence citizen perceptions.