RAJIV GANDHI PANCHAYAT SASHAKTIKARAN ABHIYAN
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 7th March, 2013 approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan.
- The goal of RGPSA is to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system across the country and address critical gaps that constrain it.
- 20% scheme funds are linked to States performance on devolution and accountability.
- States are required to prepare perspective and annual plans to access funds under the scheme.
- A Central Steering Committee headed by the Union Minister, Panchayati Raj will provide policy level guidance, while a Central Executive Committee headed by Union Secretary, Panchayati Raj will oversee the implementation of the scheme.
- Activities that can be included in State plans under RGPSA are administrative and technical support, capacity building and training of elected representatives and functionaries, institutional structure for training at State, District and Block level, e-Enablement of Panchayats, special support for Gram Sabhas in PESA & NE Areas, Strengthening of State Election Commission and innovative activities in States.
- This Scheme will be applicable to all States/UTs including those which presently are not covered by Part IX of the Constitution.
- The financing pattern of the scheme is in the ratio of 75:25 between the State Government and the Central Government. In the case of North Eastern States, it is in the ratio of 90:10 between the North Eastern States and the Central Government.
E-PANCHAYAT MISSION MODE PROJECT
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is promoting e-Governance in Panchayats through implementation of e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) that addresses all aspects of Panchayat’s functioning including planning, monitoring, implementation, budgeting, accounting, social audit and delivery of citizen services like issue of certificates, licenses etc.
- Six more applications namely area profiler, service plus, asset directory, action soft, social audit and trainings management were launched on the occasion of National Panchayat Day on 24th April, 2012 and trainings are being imparted on these applications to States/UTs before their adoption.
- Two important applications under e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) that foster transparency and accountability in Panchayati Raj Institutions are PRIASoft (web based Panchayat accounting software) and Plan Plus (web based participatory planning software).
