DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS (PRI)

Key Highlights:

• The e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) is being implemented under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for digital transformation of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• Key applications include eGramSwaraj for planning, budgeting, and accounting, and AuditOnline for online auditing of Panchayat accounts.
• In FY 2025-26, 98.65% of Gram Panchayats (GPs) uploaded their Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) on eGramSwaraj.
• 95% of GPs processed payments amounting to ₹57,337 crore through the eGramSwaraj–PFMS interface.
• The RGSA is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme focused on capacity building and training for PRI elected representatives and functionaries.
• Over 3.73 lakh elected representatives and Panchayat officials have been trained on e-Governance and other digital platforms.

Detailed Insights:

• The e-Panchayat MMP aims to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the functioning of PRIs across all States.
• eGramSwaraj is integrated with platforms like GeM, BSNL, BHASHINI, and weather services to improve accessibility and informed decision-making.
• Panchayat, as "Local Self Government," is a State subject listed in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India.
• The revamped RGSA has been implemented since FY 2022-23 to develop governance capabilities for leadership roles in PRIs.
• Other applications like Meri Panchayat, Panchayat NIRNAY, and SabhaSaar further promote transparency and accountability by providing public access to information and supporting AI-enabled documentation.
• 30 States/UTs are delivering online citizen services at the grassroots level, enhancing ease of living for rural citizens.
• Funds for the e-Panchayat MMP are provided to National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) for central-level support, not directly to States/UTs.
• Substantial funds are released to States/UTs under the revamped RGSA for strengthening digital governance initiatives.

Key Concepts Involved:

• e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP): A project to digitally enable Panchayati Raj Institutions for improved governance.
• Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA): A Centrally Sponsored Scheme for strengthening the capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• eGramSwaraj: An application facilitating planning, budgeting, accounting, and asset management for Gram Panchayats.
• AuditOnline: An application enabling online auditing of Panchayat accounts in accordance with a prescribed framework.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Schemes funded by the Union Government but implemented by State Governments.
• Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India: Divides legislative powers between the Union and State governments, with 'Local Self Government' in the State List.