CM Pushes for Digitization of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department to Strengthen Rural Economy.
99.84% Families Registered Under e-Family Register, Services Now Accessible Online.
Shimla:
In a bid to further strengthen the rural economy of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the importance of digitizing the operations of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD and PR) Department during a review meeting held on Saturday. CM Sukhu outlined that digital transformation would significantly enhance service delivery to the rural populace and ensure greater efficiency within the department.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the implementation of the e-family register system, made mandatory from April 27, 2024, has been a remarkable success, with 18.96 lakh families (99.84%) already registered under the initiative. Additionally, for the first time, livestock registration has also been incorporated into the e-family portal as of December 2024. This step is expected to revolutionize rural data management and improve access to various welfare schemes.
In his address, CM Sukhu also mentioned the establishment of 780 Common Service Centers (CSCs) in Gram Panchayat buildings throughout 2024-25, aimed at improving citizen convenience. Services such as Parivar Nakal (family extract), marriage certificates, and Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificates are now available online via the e-Family Portal and the e-District Portal. In 2024-25 alone, 11,016 Parivar Nakals, 3,595 marriage certificates, and 5,004 BPL certificates have been issued online, reducing the need for citizens to visit government offices.
The state government has also made a historic increase in wages for MGNREGA workers, raising daily wages from Rs. 240 to Rs. 300. A top-up amount of Rs. 201.51 crore has already been released to support this wage hike, directly benefiting thousands of rural laborers.
Further emphasizing support for rural women, the Chief Minister shared plans to boost income opportunities for women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Seven food vans have been allocated to SHGs, with plans to add 60 more food vans in the upcoming financial year. Additionally, SHGs will be allotted shops in hotels under construction by the Tourism Department and Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), where their products, such as soaps, will be supplied, providing a new avenue for earning.
CM Sukhu also instructed the department to enhance the marketing and online sales of SHG products and natural farming produce, noting the successful launch of the Him-ira e-commerce website, which has already shown positive results in promoting local products.
In closing, the Chief Minister urged department officers to expedite the implementation of ongoing projects and ensure proactive measures to maximize benefits for the people of Himachal Pradesh.
The review meeting was attended by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Secretary Rajesh Sharma, Director Raghav Sharma, CEO of HPSRLM Shivam Pratap Singh, Director of IT Dr. Nipun Jindal, and other senior departmental officers.
