Patna: Bihar Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash has said that for holistic rural development, panchayats must evolve beyond administrative units and become strong hubs of development, transparency, service delivery, and public participation.
He made these remarks while highlighting initiatives such as the National Rural Development Conference and the launch of an AI-based audit portal, calling them significant steps toward improving governance in rural Bihar.
Panchayats to Become Centres of Development and Accountability
The minister stressed that panchayats should not remain limited to traditional governance structures. Instead, they must function as active and responsive institutions focused on people-centric development.
He said that strengthening panchayats as development centres is essential to ensure better implementation of welfare schemes and greater accountability at the grassroots level.
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AI Audit Portal and Panchayat Development Day to Improve Transparency
According to the minister, the introduction of the AI-based audit portal will significantly enhance transparency and monitoring in rural development schemes. It will help ensure that government programs are implemented effectively and reach eligible beneficiaries on time.
He also said that the introduction of Panchayat Development Day in Bihar is aimed at making local governance more active, accountable, and participatory. These initiatives are expected to strengthen monitoring systems and improve the impact of development projects.
Focus on Timely Delivery of Development Schemes
Deepak Prakash emphasized that ensuring timely delivery of development schemes at the panchayat level remains a top priority for the government. Key focus areas include:
- Better utilization of resources at the village level
- Regular monitoring of development projects
- Institutionalizing feedback from rural citizens
- Ensuring schemes do not remain only on paper
He added that the government’s objective is to transform every panchayat into a strong centre of development where benefits directly reach eligible citizens.
Strengthening Digital Infrastructure in Rural Governance
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen digital governance systems in rural areas. These include:
- Upgrading Panchayat government buildings
- Expanding RTPS (Right to Public Services) facilities at village level
- Implementing e-Gram Kachahari systems
- Centralized monitoring of solar street light installations in panchayats
These digital initiatives aim to improve efficiency, transparency, and real-time monitoring of rural services.
The Bihar government’s push toward digital governance, transparency, and participatory development reflects a broader effort to modernize rural administration. With initiatives like AI audit systems and Panchayat Development Day, the state aims to ensure that grassroots governance becomes more accountable and development-oriented.
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