Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a significant transformation in public service delivery, driven by a citizen-centric approach and a substantial expansion of digital services, according to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Speaking at the Seva Se Samriddhi: Regional Workshop on Panchayat-led Service Delivery in Srinagar, Sinha highlighted the pivotal role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in fostering grassroots development, ensuring citizen-focused governance, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that Sinha emphasized the strengthening of PRIs within the Union Territory through the effective devolution of financial resources, functional responsibilities, and administrative personnel. This empowerment is complemented by participatory planning processes and a greater say for elected representatives in local governance. The Lieutenant Governor underscored the profound impact of technology in modernizing governance, stating that Jammu and Kashmir has revolutionized how government services reach its citizens. He pointed to a dramatic increase in online services, from a mere 35 in 2020 to over 1,100 currently, positioning the Union Territory as a leader in e-service provision.
Further details indicate that Sinha reported that more than 98 percent of Panchayats across Jammu and Kashmir are now connected digitally. This technological integration is credited with enhancing transparency, bolstering accountability, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring that services reach the furthest corners of the region. The Lieutenant Governor described effective service delivery as the bedrock of good governance, asserting that the responsiveness of governmental institutions to the aspirations of the populace is a key indicator of successful administration. He cited flagship outreach programs, such as Back to Village and Block Diwas, as instrumental in deepening public engagement, streamlining the redressal of grievances, and ensuring that development priorities are genuinely shaped by the needs and suggestions emerging from the grassroots level.
Sinha articulated the administration’s commitment to placing the aspirations of citizens at the forefront of governance. He stated, “We made Panchayati Raj institutions the strongest voice and largest participants in governance. Through Block Diwas and Back to Village campaigns, we tried to ensure services reach doorsteps, infrastructure meets local needs, and policies flow from the grassroots up.” This approach, he added, has translated a commitment to long-term societal change into tangible reality, thereby rebuilding a robust relationship of trust with the citizens. The Lieutenant Governor also acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in establishing a dedicated Gram Panchayat category for the National Awards for e-Governance, set to commence in 2025. He further commended the Ministry for securing four National Awards for e-Governance this year, specifically recognizing initiatives within the Panchayati Raj framework, which he sees as a testament to the growing influence of technology-enabled governance at the local level.
In his address, Sinha encouraged other states to foster greater citizen participation, with a particular emphasis on the involvement of women in local governance. He also advocated for the establishment of Village Innovation Labs as a means to cultivate locally generated solutions for community development and to further enhance public service delivery mechanisms. Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for hosting the workshop in Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated the government’s dedication to empowering local self-government bodies and highlighted the critical role of technology in fortifying Panchayat-led governance structures.
The workshop itself served as a platform to underscore the significance of inter-state learning, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration as crucial elements in strengthening Panchayat-led service delivery and deepening grassroots democracy. Participants also shared insights into ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering PRIs through improved infrastructure, the adoption of technology-driven governance models, and knowledge-sharing programs designed to advance citizen-centric service delivery at the foundational level of governance.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.