The GIGW (Guidelines for Indian Government Websites) is a comprehensive framework established by the Government of India to ensure that websites and applications adhere to a set of quality, accessibility, usability, and security standards. While these are specifically intended for Indian government websites, the principles are broadly applicable to any organization aiming to build user-centric and robust digital platforms.
Here’s a detailed overview of the GIGW Guidelines for website development:
1. Website Structure and Design
1.1 Layout and Navigation
- Use consistent layouts throughout the website.
- Provide clear and intuitive navigation menus with minimal clicks to access content.
- Avoid clutter and ensure the interface is visually appealing.
- Implement a responsive design to support all devices and screen resolutions.
1.2 Layout and Navigation
- Organize content hierarchically, ensuring important information is easy to locate.
- Display the most recent and relevant updates prominently on the homepage.
- Maintain a sitemap to facilitate easy access to all sections.
2. Accessibility Standards
2.1 Inclusivity
- Ensure compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.0/2.1 at Level AA.
- Provide text alternatives for non-text content (e.g., alt text for images).
- Use semantic HTML tags to enhance accessibility for assistive technologies.
2.2 Keyboard Accessibility
- Ensure all website functionalities can be accessed via a keyboard.
- Avoid dependencies on mouse interactions alone.
2.3 Language and Readability
- Offer content in multiple languages, prioritizing English and regional languages.
- Use plain and simple language for text to cater to diverse literacy levels.
3. Security
3.1 Data Protection
- Implement SSL certificates to ensure secure connections (HTTPS).
- Ensure user data is encrypted during transmission and storage.
3.2 Secure Development Practices
- Regularly update and patch the platform to mitigate vulnerabilities.
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing (VAPT) periodically.
- Prevent cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and other common attacks.
3.3 Authentication
- Provide multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive or admin-level access.
- Enable CAPTCHA or similar mechanisms to prevent automated spam attacks.
4. Content Management
4.1 Regular Updates
- Ensure timely updates of content, such as government notifications, schemes, or reports.
- Display the “Last Updated Date” on each webpage.
4.2 Consistency
- Follow a uniform tone and style of writing across the website.
5. Performance Optimization
5.1 Loading Speed
- Optimize images and other multimedia files to reduce load time.
- Implement caching mechanisms to enhance speed.
5.2 Mobile-Friendly Design
- Use responsive frameworks like Bootstrap or CSS grid systems for mobile adaptability.
- Test performance across a variety of devices and browsers.
6. Search and Navigation
6.1 Effective Search Functionality
- Provide an internal search engine with advanced filters.
- Ensure search suggestions and autocomplete for improved usability.
6.2 User-Friendly URLs
- Use short, descriptive, and meaningful URLs for all pages.
- Avoid dynamic URLs with complex parameters.
7. Feedback and User Interaction
7.1 Feedback Mechanism
- Provide an easy-to-use feedback form for users to share their suggestions and concerns.
- Include options for reporting errors or accessibility issues.
7.2 Contact Information
- Display clear and up-to-date contact details, including email IDs, phone numbers, and office addresses.
- Include links to social media channels, if applicable.
8. Compliance with Guidelines
8.1 National Policies
- Adhere to guidelines issued by NIC (National Informatics Centre) and MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology).
- Ensure compliance with IT Act 2000 and amendments.
8.2 Testing and Auditing
- Conduct periodic accessibility, usability, and security audits.
- Use tools like e-Governance Standards Compliance (e-GSC) for validation.
9. Archival and Maintenance
9.1 Data Archiving
- Establish an archival mechanism to preserve older content and documents for future reference.
- Ensure archived content is accessible and indexed properly.
9.2 Maintenance
- Regularly review and update links to avoid broken links or 404 errors.
- Monitor uptime using tools and ensure immediate action in case of downtime.
10. Miscellaneous
10.1 Multi-Browser Compatibility
- Test compatibility with major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
- Ensure functionality in older browsers as much as feasible.
10.2 Disaster Recovery
- Implement a disaster recovery plan to restore the website quickly in case of cyber-attacks, crashes, or data loss.
The GIGW Guidelines act as a benchmark for delivering websites that are efficient, user-friendly, and compliant with global standards. Implementing these principles will not only improve user satisfaction but also build trust and credibility for any organization.
GIGW Manual 3.0 – Download Here
