Yogi Adityanath Boosts UP Panchayats with Tech

On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the vital role of transparency and technology in enhancing the operations of village panchayats, linking these improvements to the accelerated overall development of the state as these local bodies become self-reliant. In a detailed review session with the Panchayati Raj Department, Adityanath praised the government's dedicated efforts to empower grassroots institutions and noted that the 'Gram Sachivalaya' initiative has been acknowledged by NITI Aayog as a model worth emulating. Moving forward, Adityanath announced that all panchayat bhawans in Uttar Pradesh will be officially termed as 'Gram Sachivalaya'. He asserted, "Self-sufficient village panchayats are integral to the state's sustainable development. Our goal is to ensure local systems are transparent, dependable, and technologically advanced." To this end, he directed officials to handle all financial transactions digitally to promote accountability and transparency. The Chief Minister lauded several digital innovations, such as a state-level call centre, online attendance tracking, 10-seater help desks, geofencing of sachivalayas, and internet calling capabilities. He mandated that village assistants receive 15 days of computer training to enhance their operational efficiency. Adityanath also pointed to environmental concerns, emphasizing the importance of timely desilting of ponds and mandatory rainwater harvesting measures. Reinforcing the state's dedication to rural sanitation, he called for the regular upkeep of community toilets and prompt disbursement of honorariums to sanitation staff.