The Government of India is taking steps towards enhancing grassroots governance. On 25 December 2024, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative. This initiative coincided with Good Governance Day, honouring the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The focus is on empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to improve governance and promote participatory planning.
Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi Initiative
The Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi initiative aims to strengthen PRIs by providing elected representatives and officials with necessary tools and knowledge. This initiative is part of the larger ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign. It is currently being piloted in states like Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. The initiative employs e-learning platforms, AI chatbots, and mobile applications to enhance service delivery and address knowledge gaps.
Capacity Building and Digital Tools
Dr. Jitendra Singh brought into light the importance of capacity building in governance. The launch included an upgraded dashboard on the iGOT Karmayogi platform. This dashboard is designed to assist ministries and state administrators in monitoring progress in training initiatives. Additionally, the introduction of the 1600th e-learning course reflects the commitment to creating a comprehensive learning ecosystem for officials.
CPGRAMS Annual Report 2024
The CPGRAMS Annual Report 2024 showcases the achievements of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System. This platform has redefined grievance redressal by incorporating advanced technologies and multilingual support. It has successfully resolved over 25 lakh grievances annually, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving public service delivery.
Simplified Pension Processing
A reform introduced is the Single Simplified Pension Application Form. This initiative merges nine separate forms into one digital format. It ensures real-time tracking of applications and enhances user experience. The integration with e-HRMS and Bhavishya streamlines the pension processing system, making it more efficient.
Focus on Inclusive Governance
Dr. Jitendra Singh reflected on the progress made since 2014 in promoting inclusive governance. He noted the government’s efforts to address societal issues, such as the liberalisation of childcare leave and maternity benefits. The introduction of face recognition technology for pensioners exemplifies the shift towards simplifying processes for citizens.
Vision for Future Governance
Looking towards the future, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised the need for citizens to manage governance processes with minimal bureaucratic interference. His experiences with AI-driven mobile health clinics demonstrate how technology can engage communities and facilitate governance.
Commitment to Good Governance
The initiatives launched on Good Governance Day reflect the government’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and technological innovation. By empowering panchayats and promoting participatory governance, the government aims to create a future-ready India where citizens actively shape their destinies.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of grassroots governance reforms in enhancing democratic participation in India.
- Critically examine the role of technology in improving public service delivery in India.
- Explain the impact of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System on citizen engagement.
- With suitable examples, discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing e-governance in rural areas of India.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of grassroots governance reforms in enhancing democratic participation in India.
- Grassroots governance reforms empower local self-governments, enhancing citizen involvement in decision-making.
- Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) promotes accountability and transparency at the local level.
- Participatory planning ensures that community needs and voices are prioritized in governance.
- Capacity-building initiatives equip elected representatives with the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Grassroots reforms encourage inclusive governance, addressing the diverse needs of rural populations.
2. Critically examine the role of technology in improving public service delivery in India.
- Technology streamlines processes, reducing delays in service delivery through digital platforms.
- AI and mobile applications enhance accessibility, especially in remote areas, improving citizen engagement.
- Data analytics allows for better monitoring and evaluation of public services and grievances.
- Technological innovations, like the CPGRAMS, facilitate real-time tracking and resolution of complaints.
- However, challenges include the digital divide and the need for digital literacy among citizens.
3. Explain the impact of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System on citizen engagement.
- CPGRAMS has transformed grievance redressal, making it more accessible and efficient for citizens.
- It incorporates multilingual support, catering to diverse linguistic backgrounds in India.
- The system’s tracking mechanisms empower citizens to follow up on their complaints easily.
- By resolving over 25 lakh grievances annually, it enhances trust in government responsiveness.
- CPGRAMS promotes transparency and accountability, encouraging active citizen participation in governance.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing e-governance in rural areas of India.
- Challenges include inadequate internet connectivity and digital infrastructure in rural regions.
- Lack of digital literacy among rural populations hampers effective use of e-governance tools.
- Opportunities exist in leveraging mobile technology to reach remote communities effectively.
- Initiatives like AI-driven mobile health clinics demonstrate successful e-governance applications in rural settings.
- Government support and training programs can enhance the capacity of rural citizens to engage with e-governance.
