On Good Governance Day, which commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for the PMO, launched the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative. This initiative is part of the broader ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, which focuses on strengthening grassroots governance.
Objective of the Initiative
The ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative aims to enhance the capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by equipping elected representatives and officials with the necessary tools and knowledge for effective governance. This initiative emphasizes participatory planning and effective service delivery at the grassroots level.
Key Features and Focus Areas
- Capacity Building: The initiative focuses on improving the competence of PRIs through innovative tools and capacity-building frameworks.
- Technology Integration: It leverages e-learning platforms, AI-powered chatbots, and mobile apps to bridge knowledge gaps.
- Pilot States: Initially piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, the initiative aims to create scalable models of citizen-centric governance.
Other Initiatives Launched on Good Governance Day
In addition to the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched several other transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric governance:
1. iGOT Karmayogi Dashboard and E-Learning Course: A new dashboard was introduced on the iGOT Karmayogi platform, along with the 1600th e-learning course. The dashboard provides ministries and state administrators with advanced tools to monitor user registrations, course completions, and progress in capacity-building efforts.
2. CPGRAMS Annual Report 2024: The CPGRAMS Annual Report 2024 reviewed the achievements of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), which resolves over 25 lakh grievances annually. The system integrates advanced technologies and multilingual support to improve government responsiveness.
3. Single Simplified Pension Application Form: A new digital pension application form consolidates nine separate forms into one streamlined format, reducing processing time and costs. The system integrates e-HRMS with Bhavishya for seamless pension processing.
4. Compendium of Pension-Related Instructions: A Compendium of Pension-Related Instructions, 2024 was launched to consolidate all updated pension rules, ensuring clarity and simplifying pension-related processes.
Reflection on Governance Reforms and Future Vision
Dr. Jitendra Singh reflected on the progress made in governance reforms since 2014, particularly focusing on inclusive and participatory governance. He emphasized the importance of empowering citizens to manage governance processes with minimal reliance on bureaucratic systems, as India approaches its centenary as an independent nation in 2047.
Tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Dr. Jitendra Singh paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose vision for good governance inspired the institutionalization of Good Governance Day. He acknowledged the efforts of government officials and emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and technological innovation in governance.
Conclusion
The launch of the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative, along with the other reforms, highlights the government’s dedication to empowering grassroots governance and promoting citizen participation in the decision-making process. These initiatives aim to build a future-ready India, where citizens actively shape their governance.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the primary goal of the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative?
a) To improve the infrastructure of rural areas
b) To enhance the capacity and competence of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
c) To decentralize the education system
d) To promote urban development
Answer: b) To enhance the capacity and competence of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
2. Which technology is being used in the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative to bridge knowledge gaps?
a) Virtual Reality
b) AI-powered chatbots and mobile apps
c) Blockchain
d) Augmented Reality
Answer: b) AI-powered chatbots and mobile apps
3. What is the significance of the new dashboard introduced on the iGOT Karmayogi platform?
a) It allows citizens to submit grievances
b) It helps ministries and state administrators monitor training progress
c) It provides e-learning courses to citizens
d) It is used to track pension applications
Answer: b) It helps ministries and state administrators monitor training progress
4. How many grievances does CPGRAMS resolve annually?
a) 1 lakh
b) 5 lakh
c) 25 lakh
d) 50 lakh
Answer: c) 25 lakh
5. What new initiative simplifies pension processing for retiring officials?
a) Digital Grievance Redress System
b) Single Simplified Pension Application Form
c) Mobile Health Clinics
d) iGOT Karmayogi Dashboard
Answer: b) Single Simplified Pension Application Form