1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. UPSC

‘Smart Gram Panchayat: Revolution towards Digitization of Gram Panchayat’


Why is it in the news?

  • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) launched the ‘Smart Gram Panchayat’ pilot project to advance digitalization in rural governance.

 About the Smart Gram Panchayat Project

  • The project aims to extend the Prime Minister’s WiFi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) service to all gram panchayats across the Begusarai district in Bihar.
  • This initiative falls under the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan and is implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).
  • The primary goal is to digitize gram panchayats, enhancing connectivity and bridging the rural-urban divide.
  • By enhancing connectivity, the project aims to improve access to online services in crucial sectors like health, education, and skilling.
  • The project seeks to create employment opportunities, enhance the disposable incomes of small and medium entrepreneurs, and contribute to the boost of the country’s GDP.

 

Components of PM-WANI Scheme

·       Public Data Office (PDO): Entities responsible for establishing, maintaining, and operating PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots, delivering broadband services to subscribers.

·       Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): These entities provide aggregation services such as authorization and accounting to PDOs.

·       App Provider: Developers who create apps for registering users and discovering WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots for accessing internet services.

·       Central Registry: Maintains details of App Providers, PDOAs, and PDOs. Currently, it is managed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT).

 

Concerns with PM-WANI Scheme

·       Security Threats: The extensive network of public WiFi hotspots may be susceptible to security threats, potentially compromising user data and privacy.

·       Potential Increase in Internet Prices: Encouraging private sector innovation within the PM-WANI scheme may lead to an increase in internet prices for users.

·       Slowdown in Connection Speed: There are concerns about a potential slowdown in connection speeds, particularly if the infrastructure is not adequately developed or if there is congestion in certain areas due to a high volume of users.


Get free UPSC Updates straight to your inbox!

Get Updates on New Notification about APPSC, TSPSC and UPSC

Get Current Affairs Updates Directly into your Inbox

Discover more from AMIGOS IAS

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading