Digital Transformation of Gram Panchayats
Context: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has undertaken a series of digital reforms to strengthen Gram Panchayats, aiming to make governance faster, transparent, and inclusive. These initiatives align with Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat visions, empowering rural communities through technology.
Key Initiatives in Digital Governance
1. SabhaSaar – AI for Gram Sabha Meetings
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- Launched: August 2025
- AI-powered tool that records and summarizes Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings in real time.
- Linked with Bhashini (National Language Translation Mission) – supports 14 Indian languages.
- Ensures accuracy, unbiased records, and transparency, allowing officials to focus on governance.
2. SVAMITVA Scheme – Digital Land Mapping
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- Launched: 24 April 2020 (National Panchayati Raj Day)
- Provides legal property ownership documents for rural households.
- Utilizes drones and advanced mapping tools for precise boundaries.
- Benefits: Enables bank loans, dispute resolution, better asset use, and improves property tax collection.
- Achievements (as of 2025):
- 2.63 crore property cards prepared across 1.73 lakh villages
- Drone surveys completed in 3.23 lakh villages
- Technology Partner: NICSI, in collaboration with Survey of India.
3. BharatNet – Rural Connectivity Backbone
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- Launched: October 2011
- Provides high-speed internet to Gram Panchayats to bridge the digital divide.
- Services: Wi-Fi hotspots, Fibre to the Home (FTTH), mobile and digital services.
- Supports applications like GramSamvaad, Meri Panchayat, NPSS, PM Kisan.
- Status (as of June 2025):
- 6.26 lakh villages covered with 3G/4G connectivity
- 13 lakh FTTH connections commissioned
4. eGramSwaraj – Work-Based Accounting & Planning
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- Part of e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project under Digital India
- Integrates planning, budgeting, accounting, monitoring, and online payments on a single portal.
- Achievements (FY 2024-25):
- 2.54 lakh Gram Panchayats uploaded Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP)
- 2.41 lakh Panchayats completed online transactions for 15th Finance Commission grants
- Integrated with Bhashini, available in 22 Indian languages
5. Meri Panchayat App – Citizen Empowerment
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- Developed by NIC, linked to eGramSwaraj
- Enables transparency, citizen participation, and access to Panchayat data
- Provides information on:
- Budgets, receipts, payments, GPDP projects
- Local functionaries and elected representatives
- Civic services, weather updates, grievance redressal
- Coverage: 2.65 lakh Panchayats, 25 lakh elected reps, 95 crore rural residents
- Recognition: WSIS Prizes 2025 Champion Award
6. Panchayat NIRNAY – Digital Meeting Management
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- Real-time portal to schedule, notify, and record Gram Sabha decisions
- Replaces paper-based workflows
- Enhances participation, accountability, and transparency
7. Gram Manchitra – Geo-Spatial Planning Tool
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- GIS-based platform for planning, mapping, and asset management
- Aligns developmental works with GPDP
- Tools for site selection, project tracking, cost estimation, and impact assessment
Recognition and Rewards
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- National Awards for e-Governance 2025 introduced a category for Grassroots Level Initiatives
- Over 1.45 lakh entries from 26 States/UTs
- Winners:
- Gold: Rohini GP, Dhule, Maharashtra (₹10 lakh prize)
- Silver: West Majlishpur GP, Tripura (₹5 lakh prize)
Conclusion:
Digital reforms in Gram Panchayats mark a transformative shift in rural governance, making Panchayats more transparent, accountable, and citizen-focused.
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