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NEW DELHI: In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; (Independent Charge) 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 to mark the “Good Governance Day”, commemorating 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.
Marking Good Governance Day Dr. Jitendra Singh launched a series of other transformative initiatives as well aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric governance. These initiatives, rooted in leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, underscore the government’s commitment to inclusive and accountable administration.
The first initiative unveiled by Dr. Jitendra Singh was the launch of a new dashboard on the iGOTKarmayogi platform, along with the milestone introduction of the 1600th e-learning course. The enhanced dashboard is designed to empower ministries, departments, and state administrators with advanced tools to monitor user registrations, course completions, and overall progress in capacity-building efforts. With customizable views and robust data filtration capabilities, the dashboard provides detailed insights to improve decision-making and optimize training initiatives. Additionally, the introduction of the 1600th course on the platform underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a diverse and comprehensive learning ecosystem. These courses, curated in collaboration with government and private ecosystem partners, aim to equip officials with the skills and knowledge needed to address dynamic challenges in governance. Together, these developments represent a significant stride toward building a capable, future-ready civil service aligned with the vision of Mission Karmayogi.
The second was the launch of the Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi initiative.
The third initiative, the launch of CPGRAMS Annual Report 2024, provides a comprehensive review of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System(CPGRAMS). As the world’s largest citizen interface platform, CPGRAMS has redefined grievance redressal by integrating advanced technologies, multilingual support, and comprehensive tracking mechanisms. The report showcases key achievements, including the resolution of over 25 lakh grievances annually and the implementation of the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI). By fostering transparency, accountability, and best practices, CPGRAMS has significantly improved public service delivery and government responsiveness, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of governance reforms.
The fourth initiative, the Single Simplified Pension Application Form, revolutionizes pension processing for retiring officials. Combining nine separate forms into one streamlined digital format, the new system ensures end-to-end digitization through the integration of e-HRMS with Bhavishya. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the initiative’s benefits, including real-time tracking of pension applications, Aadhaar-based e-signatures, and seamless verification through e-Service Books. This innovation reduces processing time and costs, ensuring timely disbursement of pensions while enhancing user experience through a pensioner-friendly interface.
Another significant initiative launched during the event was the Compendium of Pension Related Instructions, 2024, a comprehensive document consolidating all updated rules, procedures, and guidelines related to pensions. This compendium serves as a single-window reference for pensioners and administrative personnel, eliminating ambiguities and ensuring clarity in pension-related processes. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that this initiative aligns with the government’s vision to simplify and streamline pension systems, making them more accessible and user-friendly. By integrating the latest amendments, including digital innovations and procedural reforms, the compendium is expected to enhance the ease of living for pensioners and promote efficient pension administration across the country.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reflected on the progress made in governance reforms under the Modi administration since 2014, focusing on inclusive and participatory governance as a cornerstone of the government’s approach. He remarked that Good Governance Day, institutionalized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to initiatives that directly impact citizens’ lives.
The Minister pointed to several governance milestones achieved in recent years. Among these, he highlighted the liberalization of childcare leave and the extension of maternity benefits to women delivering stillborn babies, which he described as measures that promote equity and address long-standing societal issues. He further noted the success of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), which has revolutionized grievance redressal in India. Since 2014, the number of grievances addressed annually has grown from 2 lakh to over 25 lakh, reflecting increased public trust in the system.
Technology has played a transformative role in modernizing governance, Dr. Jitendra Singh said. He highlighted the introduction of face recognition technology for digital life certificates for pensioners, a significant step in simplifying processes for elderly citizens. Recalling the hardships faced by pensioners in the past, he shared how the government has moved from paper-based to biometric and now to face recognition technology, ensuring ease and accessibility for all.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also emphasized the need to dismantle outdated practices in governance. He recounted personal experiences with bureaucratic inefficiencies, particularly in pension processing, and stressed the importance of adopting a corporate-like approach to enhance productivity in government systems. He advocated for a single-page pension form and the elimination of redundant paperwork, which he termed as a waste of time and resources.
The Minister lauded the Capacity Building Commission for its efforts in integrating private-sector efficiency into public administration. He noted that this corporate-style work culture has significantly improved service delivery and productivity within government departments.
Reflecting on India’s journey towards its centenary as an independent nation in 2047, Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined the need to prepare for a future where citizens can independently manage governance processes with minimal reliance on bureaucratic systems. He shared his experience of introducing AI-driven mobile health clinics in rural areas, highlighting how technology not only facilitates governance but also captivates and engages communities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose vision for good governance inspired the institutionalization of this day. He stated that each year, the government strives to introduce new initiatives that add value to governance and reflect its dynamic and evolving nature.
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.
