All 22,824 Gram Panchayats in the state have been computerised to develop villages as Smart Villages in the state. Every Gram Panchayat has been provided equipments worth `1 lakh, including computer, printer, monitor, UPS, webcam, and pen drive. Training has also been imparted to job assistants in all Gram Panchayats. Computer literacy programmes are underway for Panchayat Secretaries and newly elected Panchayat representatives.
Campaign is on to connect all 22,824 Gram Panchayats with high speed internet. So far, Bharat Sanchar Nigam limited (BSNl) has connected 1,822 Gram Panchayats with broadband facility. Besides, work is on to connect 6,500 Gram Panchayats with broadband by Reltel.Of these, 460 Gram Panchayats have already been connected. Reltel will provide this facility to 6,500 Gram Panchayats by the end of current year. Bharat Broadband Network limited is connecting 10,516 Gram Panchayats under 130 Janpad Panchayats with broadband facility.
So far, 13,325 km long PlB cables and 9455 km long OFC have been laid. Final testing of broadband facility has been cone in 626 Gram Panchayats. In the Gram Panchayats not having connectivity, mobile network and datacard are being used.
With availability of computer facility in Gram Panchayats as per concept of Smart Village, information is being regularly shared between Janpad and district Panchayats and state headquarters. Along with it, arrangement for E-Panchayat Room is also being made in every Gram Panchayat. Such rooms are being constructed through traditional method at a cost of `3.81 lakh to Rs4.11 lakh each.
Sarpanchs have been financial powers upto `15 lakh as a result of which E-Panchayat Rooms are being constructed speedily. New buildings have been sanctioned for 1,796 Gram Panchayats.These buildings will have E-Panchayat Rooms. Besides, E-Panchayat rooms are being constructed through PUFF methods in 862 building-less Gram Panchayats. Besides, E-Panchayat system is being run smoothly in the Panchayat buildings having adequate space.
