E-GRAM SWARAJ PORTAL IN SCHEDULED TRIBE-DOMINATED AREAS

Key Highlights:

• The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) extends Part IX of the Constitution to Fifth Schedule Areas under Article 243M(4)(b).
• Implementation of PESA and digital applications like eGramSwaraj and AuditOnline falls under the purview of respective State Governments.
• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj facilitates digital governance through the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) and monitors PESA implementation using 10 PESA Indicators.
• A dedicated PESA-GPDP Portal has been launched to facilitate the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) in Scheduled Areas.
• For Plan Year 2026-27, PESA is a separate theme in eGramSwaraj with 42 activities, making one activity mandatory for GPDPs in Fifth Schedule Areas.
• The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, has trained 1,87,238 Panchayat representatives and officials in PESA States by 2026-27.
• Across 10 states, there are 23,721 PESA Panchayats, with 23,514 approved PESA Main Plans.

Detailed Insights:

• Panchayats, being "Local Government," are a State subject, operating through respective State Panchayati Raj Acts.
• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj periodically reviews the implementation of e-Panchayat applications with States through meetings and monitoring mechanisms.
• One of the 10 PESA Indicators specifically relates to the uploading of GPDPs of PESA Gram Sabhas on the eGramSwaraj portal.
• Challenges in digital adoption in tribal areas include inadequate digital infrastructure, intermittent internet connectivity, and limited technical capacity.
• The BharatNet project, implemented by the Department of Telecommunications, is strengthening broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats to address these challenges.
• RGSA aims to strengthen the capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by imparting training to Elected Representatives and Panchayat Functionaries.
• The scheme supports Capacity Building & Training (CB&T) for digital trainings as per the priority of the States/UTs.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA): A law extending the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to Panchayats to Fifth Schedule Areas with certain modifications.
• eGramSwaraj: A digital platform for planning, accounting, and monitoring of Gram Panchayat activities and finances, promoting transparency and e-governance.
• Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP): A comprehensive annual plan prepared by Gram Panchayats for local development, integrating various schemes and resources.
• Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA): A Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through capacity building and training for improved governance.