eGram Swaraj Yojana, launched on April 24, 2020, by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, is a transformative digital initiative aimed at fortifying the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across India. This visionary scheme endeavors to bring transparency, efficiency, and robust accountability to the grassroot level of governance.
What is e-Gram Swaraj Yojana?
E-Gram Swaraj Yojana is a pioneering digital initiative introduced by the Government of India to bolster and streamline the operations of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Launched on April 24, 2020, by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, this initiative seeks to empower PRIs with digital tools and services, enhancing their efficiency and transparency in governance.
The concept of ‘Gram Swaraj’ was initially coined by Mahatma Gandhi and later developed by Vinoba Bhave. It envisions transforming Indian villages into self-sufficient, autonomous entities with the capacity to fulfill essential needs. eGramSwaraj is a step towards realizing this vision.
Inauguration by Prime Minister:
The e-Gram Swaraj and Swamitva Yojana were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Panchayati Raj Day. The aim of the Gram Swaraj initiative is to improve the village economy, promoting self-reliance and self-sufficiency. An e-Gram Swaraj website and a mobile app were launched as part of this initiative.
eGramSwaraj focuses on the socio-economic and socio-ecological development of the Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, with an emphasis on forested areas and indigenous populations.
Objectives of e-Gram Swaraj Yojana:
The primary goal of the eGramSwaraj Yojana is to harness digital technologies to create an extensive database of PRIs across India and equip them with the digital infrastructure required to enhance their operations.
Key Features of the eGram Swaraj Portal:
- Comprehensive Records: The eGram Swaraj portal serves as a unified platform, providing exhaustive records of Gram Panchayats and their associated works, from planning to implementation. It operates in alignment with the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).
- Decentralized Planning: This initiative significantly facilitates decentralized planning for development projects, offering regular updates to ensure complete transparency in project execution.
- Information Accessibility: The portal empowers citizens by enabling access to critical information about the ongoing development activities, fund allocation for various projects, and the real-time status of these projects.
- Complete Database: eGram Swaraj aspires to create a comprehensive database of all PRIs in India. This initiative equips them with the requisite digital infrastructure, thus empowering them to execute their functions more efficiently.
The eGram Swaraj portal serves as a unified interface that offers comprehensive records and accounts of Gram Panchayats. It includes detailed information on each village Panchayat listed under the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). Through this portal, anyone can access data on finances, development projects, and the overall functioning of Panchayats.
Benefits of eGram Swaraj Portal:
- Decentralized Planning: eGram Swaraj supports decentralized planning for development projects, enhancing transparency and accountability.
- Progress Updates: The portal offers real-time information on the progress of development activities undertaken by Gram Panchayats. Users can access details about fund allocation and project status.
- Finances and Accounting: PRIs can manage their financial records and accounts through the portal. It simplifies financial transactions and ensures the proper allocation of funds for various projects.
- DSC Registration: Users can register Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) for makers and checkers, facilitating secure transactions.
- Geo-Tagging of Assets: Geo-tagging of assets is a crucial component of the platform, allowing PRIs to tag and locate various assets for better asset management.
- Gram Panchayat Profiling: The portal serves as a detailed repository of information about Gram Panchayats. Users can access profiles that include election details, committee members, and more.
- Action Plan Creation: PRIs can create action plans for the development of Gram Panchayats, outlining the specific steps to be taken.
- Activity Output: The platform allows for the tracking of activity outputs related to various projects, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Understanding How eGramSwaraj Works
eGramSwaraj operates at both micro and macro levels, with a focus on community-based social, socio-economic, socio-ecological, and socio-cultural reforms. It aims to help local communities embrace the Gandhian concept of Gram Swaraj through a range of programs and cross-cutting thematic interventions.
Community-Based Initiatives:
- Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management: eGramSwaraj supports programs aimed at conserving biodiversity and managing ecosystems at the community level. These initiatives help protect the environment and maintain the delicate balance of local ecosystems.
- Livelihood Improvement: The Yojana endeavors to enhance the livelihoods of rural communities. It focuses on skill development, income generation, and economic sustainability.
- Health Security: Health is a fundamental aspect of well-being. eGramSwaraj encourages health security measures in communities, ensuring access to healthcare facilities and services.
Cross-Cutting Thematic Interventions:
- Institution Building: Strengthening local institutions is crucial for effective governance. eGramSwaraj works to empower and improve the functioning of local bodies.
- Traditional Knowledge and Culture: Recognizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and traditional knowledge, the Yojana supports initiatives that uphold local customs and wisdom.
- Gender Equality: Promoting gender equity and women’s empowerment is integral to eGramSwaraj. It seeks to create a more inclusive society.
- Food and Nutritional Security: Access to quality food and nutrition is essential for the well-being of communities. eGramSwaraj initiatives aim to improve food security and nutritional outcomes.
- Governance: Transparent, efficient, and accountable governance is a core principle. eGramSwaraj promotes good governance practices at the grassroots level.
Geographical Focus:
Currently, eGramSwaraj’s socio-economic and socio-ecological interventions are primarily concentrated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, located in the eastern part of India. This region is characterized by significant forest cover, and it includes the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, home to a diverse indigenous population.
eGramSwaraj Portal Latest Developments:
In the financial year 2021-22, around 2.54 lakh Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) were uploaded on eGramSwaraj. These GPDPs are essential for local development planning and can be accessed through the planning module on eGS.
Online payments to vendors and service providers have been streamlined through the eGramSwaraj-PFMS Interface (eGSPI). To date, approximately 2,32,190 panchayats have onboarded this interface, and over Rs 70,000 crores have been disbursed online, covering all schemes available through eGramSwaraj-PFMS.
Moreover, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has introduced “Audit Online,” an application designed for auditing panchayat accounts. This online tool facilitates the timely audit of financial transactions, including receipts and expenditures of gram panchayats, contributing to financial transparency.
How to Use eGram Swaraj Portal:
- Registration: Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) need to request user ID creation from the state agency. The state agency will approve or disapprove the request.
- Maker and Checker: Makers map the bank branches, add beneficiaries, and handle transactions. Checkers manage Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) on the system.
- Login: Users can log in by visiting the eGram Swaraj portal and entering their username and password, selecting the desired mode (Admin, Maker, or Checker).
eGramSwaraj Portal and App: Empowering Local Governance
The eGramSwaraj Portal and App are powerful tools introduced by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to enhance decentralized planning, progress reporting, and work-based accounting within Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). These digital platforms play a pivotal role in strengthening local governance by providing key features such as finances and accounting, geo-tagging of assets, progress tracking, Gram Panchayat profiling, action plan creation, and activity output monitoring.
The eGramSwaraj App complements the web portal, making it accessible to both urban and rural users. It simplifies the process of accessing information about Panchayats and offers a user-friendly interface. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and is available for Android users.
How to Get the eGramSwaraj App for Android:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android mobile device.
- In the search bar, look for the “eGramSwaraj” app.
- Download the app from the Play Store.
- Open the app, and on the home page, log in by entering your username and password.
Accessing Beneficiary Reports:
Users can view beneficiary reports for different schemes by selecting options such as Panchayat-wise and Land region-wise. The eGramSwaraj portal provides detailed information on various schemes and their beneficiaries.
In conclusion, the e-Gram Swaraj Yojana is a digital transformation of Panchayati Raj Institutions, aimed at fostering rural development and self-governance. It offers an array of tools and services, including a user-friendly portal and mobile application, to promote transparency and efficient governance at the grassroots level.
How to Log In to eGramSwaraj:
- Visit the official eGramSwaraj Portal at egramswaraj.gov.in.
- Click on the login link.
- Enter your username, password, and the captcha code.
- Click the login button to access your account.
Contact Information for eGramSwaraj Queries:
For any inquiries or assistance, you can contact eGramSwaraj via:
- Email: egramswaraj@gov.in
- Address: Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, Eleventh Floor, JP Building, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110001
Rashtriya Parivarik Labh Yojana
FAQs– eGram Swaraj Yojana
1.What is the eGram Swaraj Yojana, and how does it benefit local governance?
The eGram Swaraj Yojana is a digital initiative aimed at strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by providing tools for decentralized planning, transparent progress reporting, and efficient work-based accounting. It benefits local governance by promoting transparency and empowering PRIs for better decision-making.
2.What are the core features of the eGram Swaraj Portal and App?
The eGram Swaraj Portal and App offer features such as financial management, asset geo-tagging, progress tracking, Panchayat profiling, action plan creation, and activity output monitoring, enhancing local governance capabilities.
3.How does geo-tagging of assets contribute to the success of the eGram Swaraj Yojana?
Geo-tagging of assets allows PRIs to locate and manage assets efficiently, ensuring proper utilization and maintenance. It aids in better asset management and accountability in local governance.
4.What role does the eGram Swaraj Yojana play in improving rural livelihoods and health security?
The Yojana supports programs that focus on improving livelihoods and health security at the community level, promoting socio-economic development in rural areas.
5.Can anyone access the eGram Swaraj Portal and App?
Yes, the eGram Swaraj Portal and App are accessible to both urban and rural users, making information about Panchayats available to a wide audience.
6.How can PRIs ensure financial transparency and accountability through the eGram Swaraj Portal?
PRIs can manage financial records, allocate funds for projects, and perform transparent financial transactions through the portal, ensuring accountability in local governance.
7.What is the significance of the ‘Audit Online’ application introduced by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj?
The ‘Audit Online’ application facilitates the auditing of Panchayat accounts and helps maintain audit records, ensuring timely audits of financial transactions in Gram Panchayats.
8.How can I get in touch with eGramSwaraj for queries or assistance?
For any queries or assistance, you can contact eGramSwaraj through email at egramswaraj@gov.in or reach out to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj at the provided address.