Begusarai: In a landmark move towards digital empowerment, the Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Giriraj Singh, inaugurated the pilot project titled ‘Smart Gram Panchayat: Revolution towards Digitization of Gram Panchayat’ on 13th February, at Paprour Gram Panchayat under Barauni Block of Begusarai District in Bihar. This initiative aims to extend the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) service to Gram Panchayats, bringing about a digital revolution in rural Bihar.
Begusarai is set to lead the digital transformation in Bihar as the first district where all Gram Panchayats will be equipped with Wi-Fi services under the PM–WANI Scheme, marking a paradigm shift in rural connectivity.
The pilot project, funded under the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, focuses on extending PM-WANI services to 455 Gram Panchayats across 37 Blocks in the Districts of Begusarai and Rohtas in Bihar for the Financial Year 2023–24. This initiative underscores the commitment to leverage digital technologies for enhanced access to online services in crucial sectors such as health, education, and skilling, thus improving the quality of life in rural areas.
The integration of technology and telecommunications into the daily operations of Gram Panchayats is expected to bring transformative outcomes in education, healthcare, skill development, and livelihood sectors. Students, farmers, artisans, and Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are among the groups anticipated to benefit significantly from this initiative.
The inauguration event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Department of Telecommunications, State Department of Panchayati Raj, District Administration, District Panchayat, and representatives of Gram Panchayats covered under the project. This collaborative effort highlights the shared commitment towards digital transformation and digitally enabled local self-governance interventions.
The Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Bihar, in collaboration with BSNL, will oversee the effective execution and operationalization of the project. Periodic reviews will be conducted to monitor progress and performance, with an emphasis on instituting robust mechanisms for Operation & Maintenance (O&M) to ensure the sustainability of the project’s impact over time.
The ‘Smart Gram Panchayat: Revolution towards Digitization of Gram Panchayat’ project ushers in a new era of connectivity, bridging the rural-urban divide and fostering accountability and efficiency in local self-governance. Through digital footprints in rural areas, the vision for an inclusive and empowered Grameen Bharat takes a significant stride forward.
By providing uninterrupted and reliable Wi-Fi internet services through Public Wi-Fi Hotspots under PM–WANI Scheme, Gram Panchayats can facilitate various developmental initiatives, empowering their communities in education, healthcare, agriculture, e-Governance, skill development, and economic opportunities. This initiative is a crucial step towards Viksit Bharat, where every individual has access to opportunities for growth and prosperity in the digital era.