What Is eGramSwaraj App And Website?

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a new portal called eGramSwaraj on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day. The website (https://egramswaraj.gov.in/) and a supporting app aims to monitor and organise events for the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

The official website says it is a simplified work-based accounting application for Panchayati Raj.

"To strengthen e-Governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across the country, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has launched eGramSwaraj, a user friendly web-based portal. eGramSwaraj aims to bring in better transparency in the decentralised planning, progress reporting and work-based accounting," the website introductory message reads.

PM Modi interacted with Sarpanchs of Gram Panchayats across the country during the launch via Video Conferencing.

"This Pandemic has thrown at us new challenges and problems which we have never imagined, but it also taught us a very good lesson with a strong message. It has taught us that we have to be self-reliant and self-sufficient. It has taught us that we should not look for solutions outside the country. This is the biggest lesson we have learnt," Modi said.

"Every Village has to be self-sufficient enough to provide for its basic needs. Similarly every district has to be self-sufficient at its level, every state has to be self-reliant at its level and the whole country has to be self-reliant at its level", he added.

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the e-GramSwaraj helps prepare and execute Gram Panchayat Development Plans. It will ensure real-time monitoring and accountability as a major step towards digitization down to the Gram Panchayat level, it further said.

On the same day, PM Modi also introduced the Swamitva scheme. It will be launched in pilot mode in 6 states and help map rural inhabited lands using drones and latest survey methods.

"The scheme will ensure streamlined planning, revenue collection and provide clarity over property rights in rural areas. This will open up avenues for applying for loans from financial institutions by the owners. Disputes related to property would also be settled through the title deeds allotted through this scheme," PMO said.