Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ Initiative to Empower Grassroots Governance

Newdelhi:25/12/24:In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative on Good Governance Day, celebrated to mark the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The initiative, which is part of the broader ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, aims to enhance the capacity and competence of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by equipping elected representatives and officials with the tools and knowledge required for effective governance and participatory planning.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that governance reforms must begin at the grassroots to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change as well as to fill up the capacity gaps. The “Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi” initiative focuses on strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through innovative tools and capacity-building frameworks.

Piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, the initiative leverages e-learning platforms, AI-powered chatbots, and mobile apps to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance service delivery” said the Minister. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that this program aligns with the government’s broader mission to decentralize governance and foster participatory decision-making at the grassroots level. The initiative is expected to create scalable models of citizen-centric governance, enabling PRIs to drive equitable and sustainable development across rural India.

Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked that initiatives like ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ exemplify the government’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and technological innovation. By empowering panchayats and ensuring participatory governance, the government aims to lay the foundation for a future-ready India where citizens are active partners in shaping their destinies.

The launch event witnessed the participation of Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DoPT, DARPG, and Pension; Dr. R Balasubramaniam, Member, Capacity Building Commission; Sri Avinash Joshi, Additional Secretary, DoPT; Sri Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Additional Secretary, DoPT, along with other senior officials, reflecting the collaborative spirit behind these transformative initiatives.