NITI Aayog hosts workshop to strengthen Gram Panchayats via digital planning

NITI Aayog organized a national workshop titled ‘Viksit Panchayat: Connecting People, Places, Resources, and Opportunities’ to strengthen Gram Panchayats as part of its State Support Mission. Held in collaboration with the Assam Government’s Golap Borbora State Institute of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development (GBSIPRD), the initiative aims to empower local bodies to drive inclusive and sustainable rural development toward the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ goal.

The workshop emphasized transitioning from traditional sector-based planning to integrated spatial planning. Experts highlighted the importance of using GIS, geospatial data, and digital platforms to accurately identify local resources, infrastructure gaps, and land use. Key digital tools discussed included the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), e-Gram Swaraj, and the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI).

To improve effectiveness, participants discussed the need for decentralized governance, capacity building, and better coordination between various schemes. Recommendations included providing clearer division of work, adequate financial and human resources, and increased decision-making powers for local bodies, alongside strengthening institutional accountability and the role of Gram Sabhas.