Guidelines for Indian Government Websites: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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The '''Guidelines for Indian Government Websites''' ('''GIGW''') are a set of guidelines developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in collaboration with the [[Indian Computer Emergency Response Team]] (CERT-In), [[Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification]] (STQC) and [[:en:Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology|Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Introduction {{!}} Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) {{!}} India|url=https://guidelines.india.gov.in/introduction/|access-date=2023-09-26|language=en-US}}</ref> They are based on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines,<ref>{{cite web |title=Web Accessibility Laws & Policies |url=https://www.w3.org/WAI/policies/india/ |website=W3C WAI |publisher=W3C |access-date=10 November 2023}}</ref> International Standards including ISO 23026, and the Information Technology Act of India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Website Testing Services in India As Per GIGW guidelines - ITQCR|url=https://itqcr.com/website-testing|access-date=2023-09-26|website=itqcr.com}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=National Informatics Center|title=Guidelines for Indian government websites|url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3c92a10324374fac681719d63979d00fe/uploads/2023/05/2023051731.pdf}}</ref>

The GIGW applies to websites and mobile apps. This section contains topics from the Policies on a website to site content type, Design and development, Web Hosting, promotion and administration. It's also got an exclusive Mobile app policy area known as GuDApps.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=New features of GIGW 3.0 {{!}} Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) {{!}} India |url=https://guidelines.india.gov.in/new-features-of-gigw-3-0/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |language=en-US}}</ref> Guidelines are divided into three categories: mandatory, advisory and voluntary (for agencies to adhere to). It also provides an easily accessible checklist/compliance matrix to authenticate compliance with these guidelines.<ref name=":7" />

~~== GIGW History ==~~

The National Informatics Centre laid down the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) in February 2009.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Telangana|title=GOVERNMENT OF TELANGANA|url=https://www.telangana.gov.in/PDFDocuments/2017ITC_MS4.PDF}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=National Council For Promotion Of Urdu Language|title=Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW)|url=https://www.urducouncil.nic.in/rti/62-guidelines-indian-government-websites-gigw-followed-released-february-2009-and-included}}</ref> These rules and policies are the framework which encompasses [[digital asset]] development, including conceptualization through to governance and management. The department made the GIGW guidelines part of the Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" />

~~=== ''The Evolution of GIGW'' ===~~

The first version of Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW 1.0) was developed by [[National Informatics Centre]] (NIC) under [[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]] in January, 2009 and included in the Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedures by [[Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances]] (DARPG), [[Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions]], [[Government of India]].

GIGW 2.0, the second version of GIGW, was established in 2019 after consultations with industry, society, and government organizations.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> GIGW 2.0 considered international standards and also introduced guidance on mobile apps. GIGW 3.0 represents the third iteration of these guidelines.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|title=Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) {{!}} India|url=https://guidelines.india.gov.in/|access-date=2023-09-26|language=en-US}}</ref> GIGW 3.0 was developed in collaboration with the STQC Directorate and [[Indian Computer Emergency Response Team|CERT-In]] for a complete approach to website and app quality, accessibility, and security.<ref name=":4" />

~~== Key Features of GIGW 3.0 ==~~

~~=== ''Mobile App Accessibility and Usability'' ===~~

GIGW 3.0 provides a framework for government organizations to improve mobile app accessibility and usability. This includes leveraging public digital infrastructure, such as [[API|API integration]] with various services like social media, DigiLocker, India Portal, open data sharing, single sign-on, Aadhaar-based identity, AI-based language translation, MyGov citizen engagement, and seamless data access across government web solutions.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shaffer|first=Claire|date=2021-04-12|title=Barenaked Ladies Share Colorful Animated Music Video for 'Flip'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/barenaked-ladies-flip-video-1154285/|access-date=2023-03-30|website=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref>

GIGW 3.0 enables integration with other platforms, such as social media platforms and India Portal, DigiLocker, and Aadhaar-based identity.<ref name=":7" /> This integration facilitates the efficient flow of content and data between different online government initiatives.

GIGW 3.0 also adopted Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Including these guidelines is necessary for users with cognitive or learning disabilities, low vision, and mobile device disabilities. This adoption also ensures conformity with Level AA of WCAG 2.1, adding 17 new success criteria.<ref name=":0" />

~~=== ''Cybersecurity'' ===~~

With GIGW 3.0, all the aspects of quality, usability, and security related to government websites, web applications, web portals and mobile apps, along with guidance and advisories, are to be considered while implementing GIGW 3.0.<ref name=":4" /> With the incorporation of a chapter on [[Computer security|cybersecurity]] developed by CERT-In, GIGW 3.0 guidelines ensure that each government digital asset is in accord with Standards.<ref name=":3" /> Protection against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats are included in this chapter. It covers everything from Design and coding to testing and deployment regarding security concerns, emphasizing preventing phishing, cybercrimes, malfunctioning, and cyberattacks.<ref name=":8" />

~~=== ''User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Enhancement'' ===~~

The third version of GIGW specifies [[:en:User experience design|UX/UI]] guidelines for government websites and mobile applications. To this end, some aspects need to be implemented, such as instantaneous UX with AI-powered page loading and customized analytics according to user journeys and profiles.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Hacktivist Indonesia' claims to attack 12,000 Indian govt websites: Cybersecurity alert|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/hacktivist-indonesia-claims-to-attack-12000-indian-govt-websites-cybersecurity-alert/articleshow/99492430.cms|access-date=2023-09-26|website=Business Insider}}</ref>

~~=== ''Enhanced Structure'' ===~~

This component provides clear and specific requirements and checkpoints for government organizations and developers to follow. It eliminates ambiguity in understanding what needs to be achieved for compliance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) Compliance |url=https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/2017_05_11%20Endorsement%20GIGW%20to%20DoT%20Units.pdf |website=Department of Telecommunications |access-date=27 September 2023}}</ref>

~~=== ''Quality Focus'' ===~~

GIGW 3.0 aims to enhance the UI and UX of websites and apps. It includes implementing a user-centric IA. The centralized monitoring dashboard identifies and addresses content issues.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=New features of GIGW 3.0 {{!}} Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) {{!}} India |url=https://guidelines.india.gov.in/new-features-of-gigw-3-0/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |language=en-US}}</ref>

~~=== ''Lifecycle Management'' ===~~

GIGW 3.0 stipulates policies, processes, and plans to maintain quality, accessibility, and security throughout the website's lifecycle. Government organizations should obtain a "safe to host" certificate from CERT-In/STQC or their auditors to ensure compliance with cybersecurity regulations. Furthermore, GIGW 3.0 highlights the necessity of following guidance and advisories issued by CERT-In for updates.<ref name=":6" />

~~== GuDApps - Government User-centric Design for Apps ==~~

In 2018, the [[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]] released the "Guidelines for the Development of eGovernance Applications" (GuDApps) by NIC.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=About GuDApps {{!}} Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) {{!}} India|url=https://guidelines.india.gov.in/about-gudapps/|access-date=2023-09-26|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Guidelines for Development of eGovernance Applications (GuDApps) {{!}} Department of Telecommunications {{!}} Ministry of Communication {{!}} Government of India|url=https://dot.gov.in/circulars/guidelines-development-egovernance-applications-gudapps|access-date=2023-09-26|website=dot.gov.in}}</ref>

GuDApps is an integral set of guidelines under the GIGW3.0 program primarily for the [[User experience design|User Experience (UX)]] of Government mobile applications. GuDApps focuses on user-centred design principles and incorporates standard practices for intuitive & accessibility in Mobile App design.

These recommendations are primarily intended to be applied to developers/designers designing application systems within Government. These guidelines encompass different facets of developing an [[E-governance|eGovernance]] solution, such as data quality requirements, user identity verification, electronic forms, document management, report layouts, reporting structures and application frameworks.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite journal |title=Guidelines for Development of eGovernance Applications (GuDApps) Applications (GuDApps) |journal=Department of Telecommunications |date=9 February 2018 |pages=2 |url=https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/2018_02_09%20GuDApps%20Guidelines%20Endorsement.pdf |access-date=27 September 2023}}</ref>

Both sets of guidelines share a common overarching goal: to ensure applications and websites created for the Indian Government meet the highest quality.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=GuDApps Guidelines {{!}} Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) {{!}} India|url=https://guidelines.india.gov.in/gudapps-guidelines/|access-date=2023-09-26|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> But these best practices are not applicable simultaneously; they are targeted at different development stages for different use cases.<ref name=":2"/>

The concept behind this plan is based on set international practices such as [[ISO 320/26°|ISO 23026]], and [[Web Content Accessibility Guidelines]] (WCAG 2.0) of the W3C, which assures that GuDApps meet with global measures in quality and GuDApps were based on the principles behind the [[Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016|Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016]] and the [[Information Technology Act, 2000|Information Technology Act]] in India, which advocate the inclusion of all citizens (including those with disabilities).<ref name=":2" />

With the incorporation of a chapter on cybersecurity developed by CERT-In, GIGW 3.0 guidelines ensure that each government digital asset is in accord with Standards.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /> Protection against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats are included in this chapter. It covers everything from design and coding to testing and deployment regarding security concerns, emphasizing preventing phishing, cybercrimes, malfunctioning, and cyberattacks.<ref name=":6" />

~~== The Implementation and Certification ==~~

Government organizations must assess their digital assets, identify areas for improvement, and create time-bound plans for GIGW 3.0 implementation, using Certified Quality Website (CQW)<ref>{{cite web |title=Website Quality Certification |url=https://www.stqc.gov.in/website-quality-certification-0 |website=Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) |access-date=28 September 2023}}</ref> certification from the [[Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification]] (STQC) Directorate as a conformity mark.

~~== References ==~~

~~{{Reflist}}~~

~~==Sources==~~

* {{cite web |title=India Digital Accessibility Laws: An Overview |url=https://www.boia.org/blog/india-digital-accessibility-laws-an-overview |website=Bureau of Internet Accessibility |publisher=BOIA |access-date=11 November 2023}}

* {{cite web |last1=Initiative (WAI) |first1=W3C Web Accessibility |title=India |url=https://www.w3.org/WAI/policies/india/ |website=Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) |language=en |date=9 November 2023}}

* {{cite news |title=GIGW 3.0: Version 3 of Guidelines for Indian Government Websites seeks to enhance usability of mobile apps - ET Government |url=https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/governance/gigw-3-0-version-3-of-guidelines-for-indian-government-websites-seeks-to-enhance-usability-of-mobile-apps/98575904 |access-date=11 November 2023 |work=ETGovernment.com |publisher=The Economic Times |date=March 12, 2023 |language=en}}

* {{cite journal |last1=Rogers |first1=Mark |title=Government accessibility standards and WCAG 2 |journal=Powermapper |date=Feb 5, 2021 |url=https://www.powermapper.com/blog/government-accessibility-standards/ |access-date=11 November 2023}}

* {{cite web |title=Global Law and Policy |url=https://www.lflegal.com/global-law-and-policy/#India |website=Law Office of Lainey Feingold |language=en}}

* {{cite web |title=International Web Accessibility Laws and Policies |url=https://www.whoisaccessible.com/guidelines/international-web-accessibility-laws-and-policies/#india-8211-rpd%C2%A0-and-guidelines-for-indian-government-websites |website=whoisaccessible.com |date=27 February 2020}}

* {{cite web |title=Web Accessibility Standards Across the World (Sorted by Country) |url=https://commonlook.com/international-web-accessibility-standards/ |website=commonlook.com |publisher=Commionlook |access-date=11 November 2023}}

* {{cite news |last1=Pandey |first1=Shashank |title=Few Indian websites are technically accessible to disabled people – despite the law requiring this |url=https://scroll.in/article/1036006/few-indian-websites-are-technically-accessible-to-disabled-people-despite-the-law-requiring-this |access-date=11 November 2023 |work=Scroll.in |publisher=Scroll.in |date=4 November 2022}}

* {{cite news |title=Employees don't think about security, they come and go: Government's strict diktat on ensuring website security |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/employees-dont-think-about-security-they-come-and-go-governments-strict-diktat-on-ensuring-website-security-10324011.html |access-date=11 November 2023 |work=Moneycontrol |date=28 March 2023 |language=en}}

* {{cite news |title=Law Minister Kiren Rijiju launches new 'divyang-friendly' website of Department of Justice |url=https://theprint.in/india/law-minister-kiren-rijiju-launches-new-divyang-friendly-website-of-department-of-justice/895861/ |access-date=11 November 2023 |work=ThePrint |date=31 March 2022}}

* {{cite news |title=Why Does Mainstream Indian Discourse On Digital Inclusion Leave Out Disability? |url=https://thewire.in/rights/mainstream-indian-discourse-digital-inclusion-leave-disability |access-date=11 November 2023 |work=The Wire |date=9 May 2017}}

~~== External links ==~~

▲* [https://guidelines.india.gov.in/ Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW)]

~~{{Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (India)}}~~

~~{{Union ministries of India}}~~

~~{{authority control}}~~

[[Category:Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (India)]]