Government to set up Knowledge-kiosks in Panchayats

The Minister of Panchayati Raj, Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar informed the Lok Sabha today in reply to a question that all Village and Block Panchayats would be provided with information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure (Computer, Printer, UPS and Web Camera) and broadband connectivity in order to extend the benefits of ICT to all sections of the rural population of the country. This is intended to be achieved through the proposed Centrally Sponsored Scheme for e-governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (e-PRIs).

The Minister added that the proposed scheme would bring about improved governance and service delivery through the Panchayats, and enable greater accountability of Panchayati Raj Institutions to the community and other authorities. This would further facilitate better implementation and monitoring of schemes, efficient and transparent utilization of funds, and enable rural people to access the external world of knowledge and markets. Induction of ICT at the panchayats level on such a large scale would lead to building an ICT culture at the level of the masses and contribute to "Inclusive Growth" through "Inclusive Governance".

Shri Aiyar mentioned that a time-line of three years is proposed for the complete roll-out of the project and a National Programme Committee (NPC) has been set up under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Panchayati Raj for setting the mission and vision of the project; approving projects under e-PRI; putting in place suitable instruments and mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the projects at periodic intervals; and reviewing the implementation of the projects.

Source : Equity Bulls

Keywords