Gram Panchayats Driving Digital Governance Transformation

Recognition for Gram Panchayats

Gram Panchayats Driving Digital Governance Transformation: For the first time, Gram Panchayats were honoured at the National e-Governance Awards 2025 (NAeG). The awards were presented during the 28th National Conference on e-Governance held on 22 September 2025 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The theme was Viksit Bharat Civil Service and Digital Transformation.

With more than 1.45 lakh entries screened through a multi-tier evaluation, four Gram Panchayats were recognized for pioneering citizen-centric digital innovations. This marked a new milestone in grassroots governance.

Static GK fact: The National Awards for e-Governance are instituted by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

Award-winning Gram Panchayats

Rohini Gram Panchayat Maharashtra

The Gold Award went to Rohini Gram Panchayat, Maharashtra. It became the state’s first fully paperless e-Office Panchayat. Citizens can access 1,027 online services, including certificates and welfare schemes. The Panchayat achieved 100% digital literacy across households and runs a real-time grievance redressal system with bulk SMS outreach.

West Majlishpur Gram Panchayat Tripura

The Silver Award was given to West Majlishpur, Tripura. It functions as a Citizen Charter-driven Panchayat offering digital services such as registrations, MGNREGS job cards, property records, and trade licenses. Service requests are tracked online, ensuring efficiency and transparency.

Palsana Gram Panchayat Gujarat

Palsana, Gujarat, received the Jury Award. It integrated Digital Gujarat and Gram Suvidha portals. The Panchayat introduced QR and UPI-based property tax payments and strengthened online grievance redressal. More than 10,000 citizens benefit annually.

Suakati Gram Panchayat Odisha

Suakati, Odisha, also won a Jury Award. It uses OdishaOne and Seva Odisha platforms for round-the-clock services. The Panchayat highlights women’s leadership in governance and ensures last-mile inclusivity with real-time service tracking.

Static GK Tip: A Sarpanch is the elected head of a Gram Panchayat under the Panchayati Raj system.

Significance of Grassroots Recognition

This recognition shows a paradigm shift in governance reforms, moving from central bureaucracy to village-level digital empowerment. By rewarding Panchayats, the government promotes bottom-up innovation in service delivery.

The initiatives strengthen:

• Digital inclusivity, making services available in rural areas.
• Transparency and accountability through real-time monitoring.
• Ease of living with reduced dependency on physical offices.
• Women empowerment, where women-led Panchayats showcase leadership.

Static GK fact: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) institutionalized Panchayati Raj in India, ensuring democratic decentralization.

Financial Incentives

Each awarded Panchayat received a certificate, trophy, and financial support — ₹10 lakh for Gold and ₹5 lakh for Silver. These funds will be reinvested in technology-led citizen services, reinforcing India’s rural digital journey.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Gram Panchayats Driving Digital Governance Transformation: