The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is a vital government body in India responsible for the development and implementation of policies and programs aimed at strengthening local self-governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Established with the objective of decentralizing power and ensuring grassroots democracy, the ministry plays a pivotal role in empowering rural communities and fostering inclusive development across the nation.
e-GramSwaraj Portal
- The e-GramSwaraj Portal is an initiative by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj under the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project. It has recently been recognized with the GOLD AWARD in the category of “Excellence in Government Process Reengineering for Digital Transformation” at the National Awards for e-Governance.
- Here are the key features and objectives of the e-GramSwaraj Portal:
- Unified Tool for Monitoring and Evaluation: The portal serves as a unified tool for the effective monitoring and evaluation of projects and works carried out in Gram Panchayats.
- Integration of Functions: e-GramSwaraj integrates the planning, accounting, and monitoring functions of Gram Panchayats, streamlining their operations.
- Combination with Other Applications: It is combined with applications like Area Profiler, Local Government Directory (LGD), and the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) to enhance reporting and tracking capabilities.
- Single Window for Information: The portal provides a single window for capturing comprehensive information about the Panchayats, including their profiles, financial details, assets, activities conducted through the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), and data from other Ministries/Departments.
- About AuditOnline:
- AuditOnline is part of the Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) developed under the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project. Its primary function is to facilitate financial audits of accounts at various levels of Panchayats, including District, Block, and Village Panchayats, as well as Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Line Departments. This application enables auditors to conduct thorough financial audits efficiently.
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is a scheme aimed at enhancing the governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. Here are some key points about RGSA:
- Approval and Duration:
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the continuation of RGSA.
- The scheme is set to continue until 2025-2026.
- Target Beneficiaries:
- RGSA aims to benefit over 2.78 lakh rural local bodies, empowering them to improve governance capabilities and effectively work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Focus Areas:
- The scheme targets various aspects of village development, including poverty alleviation, enhanced livelihoods, ensuring child-friendly and healthy villages, promoting water sufficiency, maintaining cleanliness and greenery, creating self-sufficient infrastructure, establishing socially secure villages, ensuring good governance, and encouraging gender-inclusive development.
- Resource Allocation:
- The scheme does not entail the creation of permanent posts. Instead, it allows for the provision of need-based contractual human resources for overseeing the scheme’s implementation and offering technical support to States/Union Territories.
- Scope:
- RGSA extends its coverage to all states and Union Territories in India. It also encompasses institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats are not present.
Overall, RGSA is a significant initiative aimed at empowering local governance institutions to foster inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
FAQs
Q1. What is the objective of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj?
The primary objective is to strengthen local self-governance by empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and ensuring grassroots democracy.
Q2. What are Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)?
PRIs are local self-government bodies at the village, intermediate, and district levels, responsible for decision-making and implementing developmental programs in rural areas.
Q3. How does the ministry support PRIs?
The ministry supports PRIs through capacity building, providing financial assistance, and formulating policies to enhance their effectiveness in governance and development.
Q4. What are the key initiatives undertaken by the ministry?
Key initiatives include the implementation of the Panchayat Empowerment and Accountability Incentive Scheme (PEAIS), Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), and facilitating the devolution of powers to PRIs.
Q5. How can citizens engage with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj?
Citizens can engage with the ministry through various channels such as public consultations, feedback mechanisms, and participation in local governance processes facilitated by PRIs. Additionally, the ministry provides online platforms for accessing information and resources related to Panchayati Raj.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
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