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(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) e-GramSwaraj: Simplified work based accounting application for Panchayati Raj

(AUGUST-2024)

e-GramSwaraj: Simplified work based accounting application for Panchayati Raj

Introduction:

eGramSwaraj application has been monumental in bringing together a tech-based, integrated system of information gathering, micro level planning, work-based accounting for last tier of local self-government called Panchayats. The application has a user base of more than 2.7 Lakh Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs); spread across 28 States and 6 UTs. The application has been ever evolving because of the continuous feedback from various critical stakeholders such as State officials, end users at Gram Panchayat level, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and National Informatics Centre.

Key features:

eGramSwaraj is one of the applications developed as part of Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) under e-panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP3) of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).
eGramSwaraj aims to bring in better transparency and strengthening the e-Governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across the country through decentralised planning, progress reporting and work-based accounting.
eGramSwaraj will assist in enhancing the credibility of Panchayats which would induce greater devolution of funds to PRIs. Furthermore, eGramSwaraj provides a platform for effective monitoring by higher authorities.

eGramSwaraj Architecture

eGramSwaraj is designed with the following three key target user groups in consideration:

Local Bodies: Rural and Urban local bodies, together, forms up the primary end users of this application. These users, working at the field level, are primary custodians of numerous critical processes such as formulation of Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), Works progress monitoring, Vendor and employee management, and Financial Management.
Line Departments: 6PDP cuts across 29 subjects and 18 Ministries of Government of India. These Line Departments are responsible for driving various social welfare programs and schemes. Data driven Planning and Monitoring, naturally, forms the foundation of successful, last-mile, service delivery, especially for robust financial management.
Citizens: While the Gram Panchayat is operated by the elected and selected representatives of the citizens and administration respectively, it is the right and more importantly, the responsibility, of each and every citizen to be vigilant and aware of the status of progress and development taking place in their region. Equipped with ratified and readily available data, the general population plays a significant role in inclusive decision-making process.

Six modules form the backbone of eGramSwaraj application:

Panchayat Profile: This module consists of General profile of the Gram Panchayat, elected member details (Sarpanch - President to Ward members), Committee member details and employee details. This information helps the citizens and visitors of the website to reach the Gram Panchayat’s Elected Representatives and employees easily.
Planning: In the Gram Sabha meeting, a plan of works to be undertaken within a specific period of time is proposed. The approved works in the Gram Sabha are entered as an activity on the eGramSwaraj website by the PRIs. Administrative sanction is provided by District Administration for only those works entered in eGramSwaraj with respect to Budget allocation.
Progress Reporting: This module facilitates reporting of physical and financial progress of the activities included in the Action Plan(s), utilising various Central/State specific schemes and/or other sources of funds. The progress is reflected in the Technical and Administrative approval sections. Technical Approvals keep track of approved cost of the work. Administrative approvals keep track of implementing and executing agency names along with the amount sanctioned for a work.
Accounting: For exercising proper control and securing better accountability, the formats for the preparation of budget & accounts and database on finances of PRIs; MoPR along with C&AG has introduced Model Accounting System (MAS) for Panchayats. Users can select and map the available Central and State schemes, add vendor and employee details, and perform voucher-based, Digital Signature verified transactions. Based on the transaction records and book closings, cash book and bank account reconciliation is performed.
Asset Directory: This module allows updating of the status of an asset as and when it changes. The system captures the status details of the asset including Status Updated To (abandoned/ active/demolished/damaged natural causes/ not due to in use (seasonal)/stolen), Reason for Status Updating, Date on which the Asset Status is Updated, etc.
User Management: This module enables the system administrators at various levels in management of user accounts and their extent of access to various modules and functionalities of the system, along with user credential management for privileged access.

Conclusion:

Founded on these modules and their respective functionalities, eGramSwaraj enables seamless, end-to-end digitisation of the works planning and monitoring lifecycle for the Gram Panchayats. From development plan creation to geo-tagged physical progress monitoring and finally to financial progress tracking and PFMS linked online disbursement of funds, eGramSwaraj serves as a one-stop solution to all the critical stakeholders of the Gram Panchayat development ecosystem.