The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has taken a significant step towards empowering Gram Panchayats through technology-driven spatial planning with the launch of the Geographic Information System (GIS) application “Gram Manchitra.” This initiative, underscored by Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Kapil Moreshwar Patil, in a written reply in Lok Sabha, amplifies the role of technology in enhancing local governance.
Gram Manchitra leverages geo-spatial technology to provide a unified platform for visualizing and planning developmental works across diverse sectors. The GIS application serves as a dynamic Geo-Spatial platform, enabling Gram Panchayats to comprehensively visualize and plan projects related to natural resource management, water harvesting, sanitation, agriculture, and more.
The integration of data from assets geo-tagged using the mActionSoft application further enhances the platform’s utility, offering a comprehensive view of developmental projects within Gram Panchayats. mActionSoft, a mobile-based solution, facilitates the capture of photos with geo-tags (GPS coordinates) at various project stages, creating a detailed repository of information on works and assets across different sectors. The geotagging process, especially for assets funded by the Finance Commission, adds an additional layer of transparency and accountability.