Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the importance of panchayats evolving into centers of innovation, digital governance, and public trust. Speaking at a workshop on Panchayat-Led Service Delivery, he stressed the need for Panchayati Raj Institutions to go beyond administrative roles and become hubs of innovation and sustainable development. Sinha underlined the critical role of grassroots governance in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Manoj Sinha expressed his belief in the significance of panchayat-led service delivery within the governance system. He mentioned the lack of a fully functional Panchayati Raj system in Jammu and Kashmir in the past but noted recent efforts to empower local bodies through decentralization. Sinha also highlighted the shift towards digitization in governance systems, enhancing efficiency and transparency in the administration.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the progress in e-governance, with over 1,100 government services now available online in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the role of technology in transparent service delivery to citizens and highlighted initiatives like ‘Back to Village’ for enhancing government-citizen interaction. Sinha reiterated the importance of empowering Panchayats for rural development, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a developed India.
Manoj Sinha discussed the digital transformation in Jammu and Kashmir, noting a significant increase in digital transactions and the expansion of digital infrastructure. He highlighted the connectivity of Panchayats through digital networks, with efforts ongoing to ensure full digital inclusion in remote areas. Sinha also emphasized the need for sharing successful governance models across regions and advocated for establishing Village Innovation Labs to foster local solutions.
