MoU for setting up 'Atal Panchayat Digital Suvidha Kendras'

RAIPUR,CG(INDIA): On the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Chhattisgarh will witness the fulfillment of another promise under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Starting from April 24, observed as Panchayat Day, digital and cash-based services will begin in 1,460 gram panchayats across the state. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for setting up "Atal Panchayat Digital Suvidha Kendras" in 10 gram panchayats from each development block.

These centers aim to provide a range of essential services locally. Villagers will be able to withdraw and transfer money, pay utility bills, and access pension and insurance schemes, all from within their own panchayats. The agreement for these centers was signed between Common Service Center providers and local sarpanches, with district-level programs held across the state.

Speaking via video conference, Chief Minister Sai described the initiative as a historic step, fulfilling a key promise made during the assembly elections—to enable cash transactions directly from village panchayats. He highlighted that many of the government’s commitments have already been met within just over a year, including enhanced paddy procurement rates, Mahtari Vandan Yojana, and support for agricultural workers.

These new digital service centers will also support schemes like PMAY payments and pension disbursements, while also offering certificates for births and deaths. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for inclusive housing under the PMAY-Plus Plus scheme, urging that all eligible names be included in the ongoing housing survey from April 15-30th.

He also addressed concerns over depleting groundwater levels, calling on villages to adopt water harvesting measures. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma supported the initiative, stating the centers would boost self-reliance in panchayats by centralizing services like railway ticketing and scholarships. A special operational procedure will soon be implemented to tackle groundwater depletion through a structured action plan.

On April 15, the CM will launch the PMAY-Rural survey campaign. Public representatives, including MPs, MLAs, and Panchayat officials, will participate in the campaign events. During the program, Panchayats with existing PMAY-G Ambassadors were honored, and new ambassadors will be appointed in remaining areas. Awareness about the “More Duwar Say Sarkar” campaign and water conservation efforts was also shared with the attendees.