Local Self Governance Act under the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution
India's Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are making strides in digital transformation, enhancing ease of operations and transparency. As of August 2025, the government is actively monitoring broadband and digital infrastructure at the grassroots level, with the e-Gram Swaraj portal under phased implementation [1].
One of the notable successes in this digital journey is the "Meri Panchayat" mobile application, which has greatly advanced citizen-centric governance by promoting transparency and participatory democracy [5]. The app received the WSIS Prizes 2025 Champion Award, recognising India's leadership in digital governance and its success in bridging local knowledge divides.
Schemes like "Gram Manchitra" aim to transform PRIs by integrating technology into governance and planning processes [3]. In states like Odisha, digital platforms such as 'Ama Shasana' are connecting citizens directly with government services and feedback mechanisms, improving government-to-public communication and service delivery [4].
However, challenges persist. Digital literacy remains low in many panchayats, limiting the effective use of digital tools [2]. Technological and infrastructural deficits impede real-time governance and data-driven decision-making. Panchayats face fragmentation and lack of coordination among multiple government departments, reducing efficiency [2]. Financial constraints inhibit Panchayats' ability to maintain and upgrade digital infrastructure [2].
Initiatives like the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) and National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP) are helping by providing micro-level assessments and enabling easier access to data for evidence-based governance [2].
The progress and challenges in digitalizing PRIs are reflected in the coverage of social audits across various states. Kerala leads with 100% coverage of gram panchayats in social audits, while Bihar, Gujarat, J&K, Odisha, and UP have over 50% coverage [6]. However, states like Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and poll-bound states have low coverage [7]. Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh have over 40% coverage in social audits [7].
The 73rd Amendment, which granted constitutional status to PRIs and added Part IX (The Panchayats) to the constitution, provided a framework for devolution of power and resources to PRIs [8]. It also added reservation of seats for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and women in panchayats at all levels [9].
In conclusion, while digitalization in India's PRIs is advancing, challenges related to literacy, infrastructure, finance, coordination, and social audits remain critical barriers to fully leveraging these technologies [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. The Centre's decision to withhold MGNREGS funds if states fail to conduct social audits underscores the importance of these checks and balances in ensuring transparency and accountability.
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