In a major step towards modernising rural governance, the Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled plans to develop a robust digital workforce across gram panchayats. Backed by a Rs 278 crore investment under the National Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, the initiative aims to equip panchayat-level institutions with digital tools, enhance public-service delivery, and ensure last-mile governance efficiency.
The action plan, spearheaded by the state’s Panchayati Raj department, includes the creation of Panchayat Learning Centres and District Panchayat Resource Centres. These hubs will provide structured digital training to panchayat staff and local functionaries. The goal is to enhance their capabilities in using digital platforms, increasing transparency and responsiveness at the grassroots.
To ensure effective implementation, human resources will be strategically deployed at state, district and block levels. These personnel will drive the rollout of digital initiatives, ensuring faster execution of welfare schemes and improving administrative outcomes in rural areas.
The initiative aligns with the broader vision of building a future-ready rural workforce. Training will cover not only basic digital literacy but also tools related to artificial intelligence, data management, and governance applications. This push is also part of the state’s AI Pragya programme, which plans to train up to 10 lakh individuals, including panchayat employees, in AI-based technologies.
multi-tier monitoring mechanism has been established, with committees at four levels overseeing the implementation. These range from an advisory body at the ministerial level to a dedicated monitoring committee led by the panchayati raj director.
This initiative, it is hoped, will empower village governance with tech-enabled manpower, bridge the digital divide, and bring rural Uttar Pradesh closer to the state’s digital-transformation goals.
