It is an accepted position 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 functions of - 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 the above, Panchayats are required to levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, toll and fees;and manage the grants-in-aid received from Central and State Governments.
Thus Panchayats are increasingly becoming, the nodal points for delivery of crucial social 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. To enable Panchayats perform their mandated role effectively, it is essential that they have appropriate capacities. e Panchayat is one of the means of building the required capacities.
To ascertain the Information and Service Needs (ISNA) of all the stakeholders namely Central Ministries, State Development, Citizens and Panchayats,the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) had commissioned a comprehensive study convering all States and UTs. Subsequently, 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. The total projected cost, spread over 4 years is Rs 6,989 cr. The Ministry has identified 12 core Common Applications that address all aspects of Panchayats’ functioning; from internal core functions such as Planning, Monitoring, Implemenatation, Accounting, Social Audit etc., to citizen service delivery. PRI Accounting Software (PRIASOFT) and PlansPlus Software for decentralized planning have already been operationalised. The Ministry is making all efforts to support Panchayats with requisite ICT infrastructure and trained manpower to be able to effectively use these applications. The benefits will accrue to all stakeholders including Central Ministries, State Departments, People and Panchyats themselves. e Panchayat would ultimately result in induction of mass ICT culture in the country thereby furthering the agenda of “Inclusive Growth” PRIs would thus become symbols of modernity, transparency & efficiency.
Thus Panchayats are increasingly becoming, the nodal points for delivery of crucial social 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. To enable Panchayats perform their mandated role effectively, it is essential that they have appropriate capacities. e Panchayat is one of the means of building the required capacities.
To ascertain the Information and Service Needs (ISNA) of all the stakeholders namely Central Ministries, State Development, Citizens and Panchayats,the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) had commissioned a comprehensive study convering all States and UTs. Subsequently, 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. The total projected cost, spread over 4 years is Rs 6,989 cr. The Ministry has identified 12 core Common Applications that address all aspects of Panchayats’ functioning; from internal core functions such as Planning, Monitoring, Implemenatation, Accounting, Social Audit etc., to citizen service delivery. PRI Accounting Software (PRIASOFT) and PlansPlus Software for decentralized planning have already been operationalised. The Ministry is making all efforts to support Panchayats with requisite ICT infrastructure and trained manpower to be able to effectively use these applications. The benefits will accrue to all stakeholders including Central Ministries, State Departments, People and Panchyats themselves. e Panchayat would ultimately result in induction of mass ICT culture in the country thereby furthering the agenda of “Inclusive Growth” PRIs would thus become symbols of modernity, transparency & efficiency.
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