Question : PROVISION OF COMPUTERS

(a) whether in view of the importance of computerisation at the Gram Panchayat level an expert group was constituted in 2007 and if so, the details thereof along with its recommendations;

(b) whether the Union Government has allocated funds to the State Governments including Madhya Pradesh for providing computers in each panchayat during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the funds made available is sufficient for the above purpose and if not, the reasons therefor and the steps taken by the Union Government to increase allocation for the said purpose;

(d) whether the Union Government proposes to formulate a framework to provide facility for use of renewable energy for effective functioning of e-governance; and

(e) if so, the details thereof ?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI NIHALCHAND)

(a): Yes, Madam. Keeping in view the importance of computerization at the Gram Panchayat level, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) had constituted an Expert Group in June 2007 to assess the current and future Information Technology (IT) programmes of the Ministry, to recommend most cost-effective technologies for reaching IT to the Gram Panchayats, the use of IT for effectively building capacities of Panchayati Raj Institutions through distance learning and the cost implications of the recommendations. The major recommendations of the Expert Group were:

(i) Gram Panchayats and Block Panchayats need to be equipped with computers and associated infrastructure.
(ii) Use of open technology which includes open standards, open source and other similar open initiatives as the basis for technology options.
(iii) States should have autonomy in defining and developing their own software applications to address State specific functionalities while at the same time developing software applications for core common functions centrally.
(iv) Multi-mode training interventions using Information and Communication Technology and satellite-based technologies should be adopted.

(b) & (c): Under the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA) scheme of Ministry of Panchayati Raj, support for purchase of computers at Panchayat level was provided to some States from 2012-13 to 2014-15. The State-wise funds sanctioned to States for e-enablement of Panchayats under RGPSA may be seen at Annex. However, the Government has delinked the RGPSA from central funding from the year 2015-16. Accordingly, the State Governments are now required to use the additional funds devolved to them under Fourteenth Finance Commission for computerisation of Panchayats.

(d) & (e): The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has not formulated any framework for use of renewable energy for effective functioning of e-Governance. However, to overcome the inadequate power supply in rural areas that poses a challenge in the implementation of e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project, States have been advised to consider providing solar photo-voltaic power packs by availing Government of Indias subsidy.