Lok Sabha Question No. 1981 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-11
Subject: Gram Manchitra Application
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Smt. Vijaylakshmi Devi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1981

ANSWER DATE 11.03.2025

## GRAMMANCHITRAAPPLICATION

## 1981. SMT. VIJAYLAKSHMI DEVI:

Will the Minister of Panchayati Raj be pleased to State:

(a) the details of impact of the 'Gram Manchitra Application' and the manner in which it is transforming governance at the Panchayat level;

(b) whether the Government is taking any other steps to improve the use of technological advancements at the Panchayat level; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ (PROF. S. P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) In order to encourage the Spatial Planning by the Gram Panchayat, Ministry of Panchayati Raj had launched the Geographic Information System (GIS) application 'Gram Manchitra' (https://grammanchitra.gov.in). This application facilitates and supports Gram Panchayats to perform planning at Gram Panchayat level using geo-spatial technology. It provides a single/ unified Geo-Spatial platform to better visualize the various developmental works to be taken up across the different sectors and provide a decision support system for Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). It is being used by Gram Panchayats for planning and visualization of works under Central Finance Commission grants.

Ministry has taken up Pilot in 36 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in 14 States to prepare an Spatial based Gram Panchayat development plan (GPSDP) with the help of 19 partner Planning and Architecture Institutions. Spatial Plan for the pilot Gram Panchayats will be prepared. It will have a land use plan to help GPs use the available land and resources in best suitable way. It will also have an annual action plan for the implementation of various projects related to Infrastructure, Socio Economic, Tourism, Heritage Conservation, Disaster Management, etc., which will help GPs to plan the development activities. Additionally, the village Abadi maps have been used to determine potential of roof-top solarization potential in villages.

(b) & (c) Yes, Sir. The Ministry has taken steps to improve the use of technological advancements at the Panchayat level.

The Ministry is implementing the SVAMITVA Scheme, which was launched by the

Hon'ble Prime Minister on National Panchayati Raj Day, 24th April 2020. The scheme aims to promote the economic progress of Rural India by providing a "Record of Rights" to every rural household owner. It focuses on demarcating inhabited (Abadi) land in rural areas using advanced drone-based surveys and Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) technology. Through the use of drones and the CORS network, accurate maps of rural inhabited areas are created. These maps are valuable for Gram Panchayats, enabling them to prepare better quality Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and improve the assessment of property taxes.

The eGramSwaraj application, developed under the e-Panchayat MMP, has streamlined digital planning, accounting, monitoring, and online payments. Additionally, the Ministry has integrated eGramSwaraj with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for Gram Panchayats (GPs), enabling real-time payments to vendors and service providers. In 2024-25, 2.54 lakh Gram Panchayats uploaded their Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and facilitated the transfer of over Rs. 55,000 crores to vendors and service providers through the eGramSwaraj-PFMS interface.

Additionally, the Ministry has integrated eGramSwaraj with the Government eMarketplace (GeM) to enhance transparency in Panchayat procurement. This integration enables Panchayats to procure goods and services through GeM via the eGramSwaraj platform, aligning with the 'Vocal for Local' initiative. Moreover, applications developed by the Ministry, such as Meri Panchayat, aim to promote transparency in Panchayat governance by making information on planning, activities, and the progress of works within Panchayats publicly accessible. Similarly, Panchayat NIRNAY is an online application designed to improve transparency and management in the conduct of Gram Sabhas by Panchayats.

In addition, the 'AuditOnline' application has been developed to facilitate online audits of Panchayat accounts and their financial management. Launched in April 2020, AuditOnline ensures transparent auditing of Central Finance Commission funds and strengthens the financial management of Panchayats. For the audit year 2023-24, a total of 2.44 lakh Audit Plans have been created, and 2.09 lakh Audit Reports have been generated by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

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