Webinar on “Citizen-Centric Services by Panchayati Raj Institutions” Highlights Digital Advancements in Rural Governance

New Delhi: A special webinar focused on “Citizen-Centric Services provided by Panchayati Raj Institutions” took place on November 11, 2024, under the National e-Governance Webinar Series (NeGW 2023–24). Jointly organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the event provided a platform for dialogue on how digital solutions are enhancing service delivery in rural India, with a special focus on inclusive and accessible governance for rural communities. Representatives from Gram Panchayats and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across the country attended.

In his address, Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, highlighted the transformative role of digital integration in making rural service delivery more efficient. He underscored the Ministry’s dedication to empowering PRIs through multi-portal solutions that simplify service access for rural citizens, advancing a more modern and responsive governance framework. Bharadwaj described this initiative as pivotal in creating sustainable rural development aligned with the Ministry’s vision of an inclusive “Viksit Bharat.”

V. Srinivas, Secretary of DARPG, opened the webinar by emphasizing the importance of citizen-centered governance as the core of the Panchayati Raj system. He acknowledged successful state-led initiatives, such as Karnataka’s Panchamitra, Gujarat’s eSeva, and Kerala’s ILGMS, as exemplary models in digital governance that enhance transparency and accessibility. According to Srinivas, these initiatives demonstrate how PRIs can bring essential services closer to the rural populace, setting a template for digital governance across India.

Joint Secretary (Governance) of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Alok Prem Nagar, expanded on the Ministry’s digital advancements, such as the Citizen Charter Campaign of 2021, designed to streamline access to services like certifications and MGNREGA benefits. He emphasized that digital strategies, combined with Panchayat-centered approaches, are essential in building a responsive rural administration that meets the unique needs of rural citizens.

Senior officials from various states shared insights on effective Gram Panchayat-level service delivery. Notable participants included Uma Mahadevan, Additional Chief Secretary of Panchayati Raj, Karnataka; Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Additional Chief Secretary, Tamil Nadu; Sharmila Mary Joseph, Principal Secretary, Kerala; Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary, Gujarat; Lokesh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Telangana; and Eknath Dhawale, Principal Secretary, Maharashtra. These leaders highlighted the positive impact of best practices from rural governance models, noting that urban local bodies in Karnataka, Kerala, and Gujarat are exploring these approaches to enhance service efficiency.