Overview of Digital Governance Initiatives in Panchayats
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is actively driving digital adoption in rural governance through the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
- This centrally sponsored scheme, effective from the financial year 2022-23, focuses on enhancing the capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
- The primary objective is to train Elected Representatives (ERs) and other stakeholders, aiming to develop their leadership skills for effective functioning of Gram Panchayats across all States and Union Territories, including specific districts like Gorakhpur.
Key Facts: Training and Implementation Status
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Revamped RGSA |
| Focus Area | Capacity Building & Digital Training for Panchayats |
| Key Portal | e-Gram Swaraj Portal |
| UP Total Trained (FY 2025-26) | 2,61,263 participants (various subjects) |
| UP Block Level MIS Training | 1,228 participants trained on digital portals |
Evaluation of e-Governance Initiatives
- An evaluation conducted by the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) assessed the digital initiatives under RGSA.
- The assessment highlights a positive shift towards adopting digital platforms for crucial processes like planning, accounting, and auditing.
- Key outcomes of this digital transition include enhanced transparency, better financial management, and improved service delivery by PRIs.
- The success of these interventions is measured by indicators such as reduced processing time for payments, online availability of plans, and increased citizen access to information.
The Gorakhpur Scenario: A Case Study in Adoption
- Data from the Training Management Portal (TMP) indicates that no training related to MIS/eGS has been reported specifically at the District Institute of Gorakhpur for FY 2025-26, despite general training happening in the state.
- However, practical adoption on the ground shows a different picture. According to Ministry data, all Gram Panchayats in Gorakhpur district are actively using the e-GramSwaraj portal.
- These Panchayats are successfully preparing development plans online and are onboarded onto the e-GramSwaraj–PFMS interface for making online payments to vendors.
Official Highlights
- The information was provided in a written reply to the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh on 03rd February 2026.
- The government emphasizes that specialized training includes topics like MIS, digital portals, and the e-Gram Swaraj Portal, based on State-specific needs outlined in their Annual Action Plans.
- While district-specific evaluation reports aren't maintained, the overall assessment confirms that digital interventions are improving the auditability of financial data in Panchayats.
Source Information
Based on a press release from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj through PIB Delhi.
Official Press Release Link (Release ID: 2222545)
Frequently Asked Questions on Panchayat Digital Governance
Q1. What is the full form of RGSA?
RGSA stands for Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan.
Q2. What is the main objective of the Revamped RGSA scheme?
The main objective is capacity building of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by training Elected Representatives for leadership roles to ensure effective functioning of Gram Panchayats.
Q3. When was the Revamped RGSA scheme made effective?
It was made effective from the financial year 2022-23.
Q4. What is the e-Gram Swaraj Portal used for?
It is a digital platform used by Panchayats for preparing development plans, accounting, and managing financial transactions.
Q5. Which organization evaluated the e-Governance initiatives under RGSA?
The evaluation was conducted by the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA).
Q6. What are the key benefits of digital adoption in Panchayats identified by the evaluation?
The benefits include enhanced transparency, better financial management, reduced processing times, and improved service delivery.
Q7. What is the status of digital adoption in Gorakhpur's Panchayats according to the Ministry?
All Gram Panchayats in Gorakhpur are preparing plans on e-GramSwaraj and using the e-GramSwaraj–PFMS interface for online vendor payments.
Q8. What is PFMS in the context of Panchayat payments?
PFMS stands for Public Financial Management System, which is interfaced with e-Gram Swaraj to enable online payments to vendors.
