Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Polity & Governance

The e-Gram Swaraj portal plays a pivotal role in enhancing digital governance in Scheduled Tribe (ST)-dominated areas under the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA). Launched as part of the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project, it enables Gram Panchayats to upload their development plans, ensuring transparency and accountability in fund utilization. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has integrated PESA-specific activities into the portal, making it mandatory for tribal gram sabhas to include at least one PESA-linked activity in their Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs). With over 23,000 PESA panchayats across 10 states, the portal tracks GPDP uploads, facilitating real-time monitoring of rural development initiatives. This digital transformation aligns with constitutional provisions under Article 243M(4)(b), reinforcing decentralized governance in Fifth Schedule areas.

For banking and SSC aspirants, understanding the e-Gram Swaraj portal’s role in rural financial inclusion and governance is crucial. The portal’s data-driven approach ensures efficient fund disbursement for tribal welfare schemes, directly impacting financial institutions involved in rural credit and development. RBI Grade B candidates must note how digital governance tools like e-Gram Swaraj streamline fiscal transfers to grassroots institutions, reducing leakages and improving transparency. The portal’s integration with PESA also highlights the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, a key theme in economic surveys and policy discussions for competitive exams.

Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)

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