A New Milestone in Rural Digital Governance

In a groundbreaking move, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) have introduced a special category under the National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025. This new category, launched for the first time, honours digital governance at the grassroots level.

Named “Grassroots Level Initiatives for Deepening Service Delivery at Gram Panchayats or Equivalent Traditional Local Bodies,” the category aims to spotlight the efforts of Panchayats in using technology to improve citizens’ lives. It recognizes initiatives that ensure transparent, efficient, and citizen-friendly service delivery.

Overwhelming Participation from Across India

The response to this new award category has been massive. Over 1.45 lakh entries poured in from 26 States and Union Territories. The evaluation process included multiple stages—starting from the Block level and moving through the District and State levels before reaching the National stage.

Out of the many entries, four Gram Panchayats emerged as winners:

• 🥇 Gold Award: Rohini Gram Panchayat, Dhule, Maharashtra

• 🥈 Silver Award: West Majlishpur Gram Panchayat, West Tripura, Tripura

• 🏅 Jury Award: Palsana Gram Panchayat, Surat, Gujarat

• 🏅 Jury Award: Suakati Gram Panchayat, Kendujhar, Odisha

This is the first time such recognition has been given to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) under NAeG. Moreover, two of the three Jury Awards this year went to Gram Panchayats, clearly reflecting their growing role in India’s digital transformation.

Awards Designed to Empower Further Progress

Winners under the National e-Governance Awards 2025 will receive:

• A Trophy

• A Certificate of Recognition

• A Financial Incentive:

  • ₹10 lakh for Gold

  • ₹5 lakh for Silver

The awarded funds are meant to enhance the winning projects or address resource gaps in other areas of public welfare. These incentives are not just symbolic; they aim to strengthen local governance capabilities and drive innovation further.

Ceremony at National Conference on e-Governance

The official awards ceremony will take place during the 28th National Conference on e-Governance. This event is jointly organized by DARPG and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It brings together digital governance leaders, innovators, and policymakers to share best practices and set future goals.

Impact on Rural India

This recognition is more than an award—it sets a benchmark. Gram Panchayats are the first point of contact for millions of rural citizens. Their successful adoption of digital tools not only simplifies access to government services but also enhances trust in public institutions.

By introducing this new category, the government has sent a clear message—digital innovation is not just for cities. Villages, too, are leading the change and must be celebrated for their efforts.

A Step Toward “Digital India” Vision

These awards support the broader goals of the Digital India campaign. They show how even remote and modestly resourced Gram Panchayats can lead impactful change when given the right support and incentives.

With increasing use of digital portals, real-time grievance redressal systems, and mobile apps, India’s rural governance system is slowly transforming. Such recognition further fuels this change, encouraging more local bodies to innovate and serve better.

Conclusion

The National e-Governance Awards 2025 have proven that technology-led governance at the grassroots level is not just possible—it is already happening. Gram Panchayats like Rohini, West Majlishpur, Palsana, and Suakati have set inspiring examples for others to follow. As India progresses towards deeper digital inclusion, these local heroes are shaping the foundation of a citizen-first digital future.