Why in News? 

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, launched the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative on Good Governance Day, commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. 

 About the Initiative 

Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi is a part of the broader ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, aims to enhance the capacity and competence of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by equipping elected representatives and officials with the tools and knowledge required for effective governance and participatory planning. 

Key Facts 

• The initiative is piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.  
• It uses e-learning platforms, AI-powered chatbots, and mobile apps to address knowledge gaps and improve service delivery. 
• The program supports the government's mission to decentralize governance and promote participatory decision-making at the grassroots level. 
• The initiative seeks to develop scalable models of citizen-centric governance, empowering PRIs to drive equitable and sustainable development in rural India.