# Understanding Local Governance ## Overview The Local Governance stack is a set of open APIs, services, and reference implementations, set up as a public good, to allow government entities, businesses, startups, and civil society to use a unique digital infrastructure and build solutions for urban India at a large scale. It provides a set of open standards, specifications and documentation to create a level playing field and enable ecosystem players to innovate on the stack. As a public good, the solutions are available to all members of society without profits or restrictions. ![](/files/-MMu60u0J25rEzMUxwEh) ![](/files/-MMu60u14nMmXSX4x0S2) ## Goals The urban mission offers digital governance solutions that encapsulate the core platform principles. The apps provide * Secure & reliable governance tools * Simple reusable modules for effective integration * Scalable & standardized solutions * Open APIs to promote interoperability * Multiple channel support * Configurable building blocks that support customization at each stage ## Approach The local governance focuses on inclusion and is designed to enhance both platform openness and choice for citizens. The platform uses open APIs and standards, creating a powerful framework to drive convergence across the multiple systems currently in use and to lower the barrier to entry for locally developed solutions. Keeping in mind that most Indians use the internet through their phones, we follow and advocate a “mobile-first” approach, while supporting multi-channel access to accommodate diverse needs and preferences. ![](/files/-MMu60u3TBWd2HSfzJsd) * **Open Source** - The local governance stack is open source and has been built using the best-in-class open-source technology stacks powering the most advanced companies in the world. The solution can provide the lowest total cost of ownership and helps ensure that governments retain strategic control of their systems and data. * **Mobile-Enabled** - The local governance solution design follows a mobile-first approach, with robust mobile applications enabling citizens to access government services through their phones easily. Government officials and field workers are also empowered with mobile applications that enable them to deliver 24×7 governance with ease. * **Real-time Dashboards** - The real-time dashboards provide governments with actionable insights on demand. Administrators and department heads are empowered with verified data that enables them to manage their work and budgets better. Field-level employee reports enable effective performance management and ensure efficient usage of government resources. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.digit.org/local-governance/access/understanding-local-governance.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.