Srinagar, Dec 18: Jammu and Kashmir has received over Rs 220 crore in allocations over the past five years to advance Panchayat computerisation and promote e-governance.
The funds were provided under the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and Digital India initiatives to enhance transparency, accountability, and service delivery at the grassroots level.
As per the data available with Rising Kashmir, J&K has consistently received financial support for Panchayat modernization under RGSA. In 2020-21, the UT was allocated ₹25 crore, which increased to ₹40 crore annually for 2021-22 and 2022-23. By 2023-24, the allocation further rose to ₹65 crore,
For the current financial year, 2024-25, the UT has received ₹50 crore which have been utilized for procuring computers, integrating digital platforms, and training Panchayat officials.
The details reveal that the milestone in J&K’s digital transformation has been the full participation of its 4,291 Gram Panchayats in uploading Annual Development Plans for 2024-25 on the eGramSwaraj platform which has revolutionized governance by enabling real-time financial management and direct payments to vendors and service providers through its integration with the Public Financial Management System which have streamlined financial transactions and brought greater accountability to Panchayat operations.
Under the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions, J&K received ₹488.64 crore in 2019-20 and ₹429 crore in 2020-21 to strengthen Panchayat infrastructure which have supported the procurement of computers and accessories and provided the technical upgrades required for effective governance.
The allocations have played a pivotal role in modernizing Panchayats and equipping them to handle the demands of digital governance.
Several e-governance initiatives under the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project have transformed grassroots governance in J&K with the eGramSwaraj platform has facilitated online planning and payments, while its integration with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has enabled Panchayats to procure goods and services transparently.
Other tools, such as Audit Online, Meri Panchayat, and Panchayat Nirnay, have further strengthened financial audits and provided public access to Panchayat activities. These initiatives have collectively enhanced transparency and accountability, it added.
