Empowering panchayati raj: role of ict in strengthening grassroots governance

Research Article
*Ajay Sharma Chinnadurai and Dr. P. Sakthivel
DOI: 
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijrsr.20241501.0843
Subject: 
Political Science
KeyWords: 
Panchayati Raj Institution, Grassroots Governance, Local Governance, Information and Communication Technology, Decentralized Governance.
Abstract: 

The article explores the important role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in bolstering grassroots governance within India's Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Panchayati Raj, a decentralized form of administration, empowers local governance through elected bodies at the village, block, and district levels, aiming for participatory decision-making and local development. ICT, comprising digital tools and technologies, revolutionizes governance by enhancing communication, transparency, service delivery, and citizen engagement. Despite the transformative potential, PRIs face challenges such as resource constraints, limited infrastructure, and privacy concerns. The integration of ICT empowers PRIs through capacity building, transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement while offering policy recommendations and collaborative strategies for effective implementation. The article underscores the significance of leveraging ICT to foster inclusive, responsive, and accountable governance tailored to the needs of local communities within PRIs.