E-Panchayat: An Innovative Way for Enhanced Working
It is an accepted position now that Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as units of local self government, are the constitutionally mandated third tier of governance and as per Article 243G of Indian Constitution are required to perform the following functions: Preparation of plans for economic development and social justice; Implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice as may be entrusted to them including those in relation to the matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule.
In addition to this the Panchayats are also required to Levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, rolls and fees Manage the grants-in-aid received from Centre and State Governments.
Thus Panchayats are becoming increasingly, the nodal points for delivery of crucial social sector schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS), Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF), Mid day Meal (MDM), Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) etc. Being closest to the rural populace, they are the most suitable entities to ascertain the needs of people and execute the social and development programmes so as to meet their aspirations. To enable them to perform their mandated role effectively, it is essential that PRIs have appropriate capacities. e-panchayat is one of the means of building the required capabilities.
To ascertain the Information and Service Needs (ISNA) of all the stakeholders namely Central Ministries, State Department, Citizens and Panchayats, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj had commissioned a comprehensive study covering all States and UTs. As the next step, Business Processing re-engineering (BPR) required to usher into an ICT era in Panchayats has been worked out in details for all the states. Based on the ISNA and BPR, Detailed project reports (DPRs) for each of the States/UTs have been prepared. State Reports have also been consolidated
In addition to this the Panchayats are also required to Levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, rolls and fees Manage the grants-in-aid received from Centre and State Governments.
Thus Panchayats are becoming increasingly, the nodal points for delivery of crucial social sector schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS), Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF), Mid day Meal (MDM), Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) etc. Being closest to the rural populace, they are the most suitable entities to ascertain the needs of people and execute the social and development programmes so as to meet their aspirations. To enable them to perform their mandated role effectively, it is essential that PRIs have appropriate capacities. e-panchayat is one of the means of building the required capabilities.
To ascertain the Information and Service Needs (ISNA) of all the stakeholders namely Central Ministries, State Department, Citizens and Panchayats, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj had commissioned a comprehensive study covering all States and UTs. As the next step, Business Processing re-engineering (BPR) required to usher into an ICT era in Panchayats has been worked out in details for all the states. Based on the ISNA and BPR, Detailed project reports (DPRs) for each of the States/UTs have been prepared. State Reports have also been consolidated