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 Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. They are based on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, International Standards including ISO 23026, and the Information Technology Act of India.
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. 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.
GIGW History
The National Informatics Centre laid down the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) in February 2009. 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.
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. GIGW 2.0 considered international standards and also introduced guidance on mobile apps. GIGW 3.0 represents the third iteration of these guidelines. GIGW 3.0 was developed in collaboration with the STQC Directorate and CERT-In for a complete approach to website and app quality, accessibility, and security.
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 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.
GIGW 3.0 enables integration with other platforms, such as social media platforms and India Portal, DigiLocker, and Aadhaar-based identity. 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.
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. 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. 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.
User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Enhancement
The third version of GIGW specifies 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.
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.